Liquid embolic agents—a practical overview

Liquid embolic agents (LEAs) have expanded the therapeutic options for complex vascular and non-vascular conditions. Tailored clinical assessment with dedicated procedure planning is critical in the selection of the most appropriate embolic to ensure procedural success and minimise complications. The LEAs, which range from sclerosant agents to glues and copolymers all have specific physical characteristics. Sclerosant agents are mainly selected for symptomatic vein diseases such as varicoceles and low-flow venous and lymphatic malformations (VM and LM), usually requiring multiple treatment sessions to achieve a satisfactory response. Glues and copolymers have completely different properties but may have overlapping indications ranging from haemorrhage control (gastrointestinal and solid-organ), treatment of visceral and renal aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms to type II endoleaks, arteriovenous malformations/fistulas, tumour devascularisation, and selective end-organ embolisation. The use of each agent varies according to the specific clinical scenario, and operator experience and preference. This review aims to provide a concise and practical overview of the use of LEAs.