Evaluating the Potential of Preembolization Using Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (Onyx and Squid) in Carotid Body Tumor Paraganglioma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative embolization, used 48 hours before surgery to reduce tumor size and surgical complications in carotid body paragangliomas. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Cochrane Handbook. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The inclusion criteria were: 1) observational studies, 2) reporting on diagnosed carotid body paragangliomas, 3) undergoing preoperative embolization procedures, and 4) with ethylene-vinyl alcohol as an embolic agent. RESULTS: The study analyzed 106 patients, aged 18-79, using primarily Onyx 18 for embolization, with treatment intervals ranging from 24 hours to 2 weeks. Efficacy outcomes showed near-total devascularization in 67% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.87; I² = 74%), subtotal devascularization in 33% (95% CI: 0.12-0.54; I² = 43%), and total devascularization in 97% (95% CI: 0.88-1.00; I² = 41%), indicating significant heterogeneity across outcomes. The mean estimated blood loss was 184.46 ml (95% CI: 116.72-252.20 ml). Postembolization complication rate was exceptionally low at 1% (95% CI: 0.00-0.06; I² = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, preoperative embolization of carotid body tumors achieved high rates of devascularization with minimal blood loss and a very low incidence of complications, highlighting its effectiveness and safety as a treatment strategy.

Preparation of Functionalized Ethylene-Vinyl-Alcohol Nanofibrous Membrane Filter for Rapid and Cyclic Removing of Organic Dye from Aqueous Solution.

A functionalized ethylene-vinyl-alcohol (EVOH) nanofibrous membrane (NFM) was fabricated via co-electrospinning H4SiW12O40 (SiW12) and EVOH first, and then grafting citric acid (CCA) on the electrospun SiW12@EVOH NFM. Characterization with FT-IR, EDX, and XPS confirmed that CCA was introduced to the surface of SiW12@EVOH NFM and the Keggin structure of SiW12 was maintained well in the composite fibers. Due to a number of carboxyl groups introduced by CCA, the as-prepared SiW12@EVOH-CCA NFM can form a high number of hydrogen bonds with CR, and thus can be used to selectively absorb congo red (CR) in aqueous solutions. More importantly, the CR enriched in the NFM can be rapidly degraded via photocatalysis. SiW12 in the NFM acted as a photocatalyst, and the hydroxyl groups in the NFM acted as an electron donor to accelerate the photodegradation rate of CR. Meanwhile, the SiW12@EVOH-CCA NFM was regenerated and then exhibited a relatively stable adsorption capacity in five cycles of filtration-regeneration. The bifunctional nanofibrous membrane filter showed potential for use in the thorough purification of dye wastewater.

Spinal tumor embolization with Onyx: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Onyx embolization has emerged as a promising technique for spinal tumor embolization due to its high devascularization rate and low incidence of complications. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of Onyx embolization in spinal tumor procedures. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. To be included, the articles had to report specific outcomes of Onyx embolization for spinal tumors (complications, mortality, blood loss, tumor devascularization, or reduction in tumor blush). RESULTS: We selected 11 out of 2941 articles, encompassing 127 patients. Among them, no major complications or persistent neurological deficits were reported, and no deaths occurred as a result of the embolization procedure. Of the 63 patients with available data, two complications were observed: one infarct leading to transient neurological deficit and one clinically silent vessel perforation related to the microcatheter. Thus, the complication rate was 1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0% to 6%). Blood loss during surgery ranged from 100 to 1500 mL (four studies). Complete tumor blush reduction was achieved in 52% of the cases (95% CI: 16% to 88%) across 32 patients. Three studies reported a median percentage of tumor devascularization of 91% (86.1% to 97.5%). CONCLUSION: Onyx embolization for spinal tumor procedures appears to be a safe technique, as evidenced by the absence of major complications or deaths. However, the determination of its efficacy remains challenging due to limited data availability and substantial heterogeneity across studies. These findings highlight the need for future research to address this knowledge gap and further validate our results.

Effect of Graphene Oxide Localization on Morphology Development and Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/ethylene vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Blend Composites: A Comprehensive Study.

This study investigates the rheological, morphological, and mechanical properties of melt-processed polylactide/ethylene vinyl alcohol (70PLA/30EVOH) blend composites containing 0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt.% of graphene oxide (GO) nanoplates. Thermodynamic-based suggested the localization of nanoparticles in EVOH, SEM studies showed that the introduction of GO to the blend increased dispersed droplet size, which was attributed to the localization of GO within EVOH, as confirmed by TEM. The rheology results indicated a decrease in the elasticity for the composite containing 0.25 wt.% of GO compared to the neat blend, which was attributed to the sliding effect of the added GO nanoplatelets. However, samples containing higher amounts of GO nanoplatelets exhibited more excellent elasticity than the neat blend. The increased elasticity was suggestively attributed to the dominance of hydrodynamic interactions, the physical network of added nanoplatelets, and polymer/GO interactions over the sliding role of the GO nanoplatelets at higher loadings. In addition, the effect of the order of mixing was investigated, and the premixing of PLA and GO exhibited a decrease in the droplet radius compared to the neat blend. It was ascribed to the localization of GO nanosheets in the PLA and interface, which was confirmed by rheological results and mechanical assessments.

Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun EVOH/Ti3C2 Composite Fibers.

In this work, the EVOH/Ti3C2 composite fibers were prepared via electrospinning and the effect of added Ti3C2 on the structure and properties of electrospun EVOH fibrous membranes was further investigated. The morphology, crystal structure, thermal properties, wettability, tensile properties, as well as air permeability and water vapor permeability of as-prepared EVOH/Ti3C2 composite fibers were studied. The Ti3C2 is uniformly loaded onto the surface and inside the composite fiber and affects the fiber diameters. Furthermore, The Ti3C2 self-orients along the fiber axis and does not change the crystal structure of the electrospun EVOH fibers, improving the crystallinity and thermal stability of the electrospun EVOH/Ti3C2 fibrous membranes. With the increase in the Ti3C2 concentration in the electrospinning polymer solution, the addition of Ti3C2 not only rapidly improves the wettability of the fibrous membranes, but also enhances their air permeability, compared with the pristine electrospun EVOH fibrous membranes. The experimental results provide theoretical guidance for the preparation of Ti3C2 composite fibers, and also expand the application of electrospun EVOH and EVOH/Ti3C2 fibrous membranes.

Assessing the safety and efficacy of EVOH Pre-Embolization in head and neck paraganglioma tumors: A comprehensive analysis of current literature.

BACKGROUND: Head and Neck Paragangliomas are characterized by having a rich blood supply. Presurgical embolization with Onyx as a neoadjuvant treatment is not a consensus regarding its efficacy and safety. Our study aimed to answer this matter through a single-arm meta-analysis. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 4 databases. Sixteen studies were described and suitable papers were selected for meta-analysis of estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL), percentage of tumor devascularization, and complications associated with embolization. RESULTS: The study identified 198 patients with 203 tumors, aged between 8 and 70 years. Commonly reported symptoms included neck mass perception and cranial nerve impairment. Carotid Body Tumors were most prevalent (127, 62.5 %), followed by jugular (48, 23.6 %), or vagal (29, 14.2 %) tumors. Eight studies reported estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL) averaging 261.89 ml (95 %CI: 128.96 to 394.81 ml). In an analysis of 9 studies, 99 % (95 %CI: 96 to 100 %) achieved 70 % or more devascularization, and 79 % (95 %CI: 58 to 100 %) achieved 90 % or more devascularization. Complications from endovascular procedures were observed in 3 % (95 %CI: 0 to 8 %) of 96 patients across 10 studies, including 4 facial nerve deficits. Eighteen postoperative neurological deficits were reported across 15 articles. CONCLUSION: Despite acknowledged limitations, with refined indications, EVOH, especially Onyx embolization may significantly bolster patient safety, decreasing EBL and easing surgical resection. Further research with larger studies will refine criteria, optimize techniques, and improve patient care and treatment outcomes in the management of head and neck paragangliomas.

Cell culture design for homogeneous proliferation of cells in three-dimensional nonwoven polymer scaffolds.

The objective of this study is to establish strategies to uniformly proliferate cells in a three-dimensional nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) scaffold by simple adjustments in seeding and culture methods and the scaffold design. The combined dynamic and static seeding (intermittent agitations at 300 rpm with 1 h interval) resulted in the highest seeding efficiency (71%) comparing to the static and continuous agitating seeding methods. Cell-attached scaffolds were cultivated under different conditions. The stirring culture permitted cells to proliferate to a significantly greater extent than the static or agitating cultures, although faster cell proliferation in the outer region of the scaffold was observed. Next, based on this observation, scaffolds were opened with holes to alleviate the cell aggregation. The effect of hole size and number of scaffolds on the distribution of cells proliferated in the scaffold was evaluated. Two of 1-mm holes showed to be an optimal adjustment to allow cells to proliferate in a homogeneous manner. After 14 days culture, both of the holes were filled by cells proliferated with a fourfold increase in the cell number. The cell viability in the scaffolds was also high upon evaluating the live/dead and 3[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining examinations. Different cell types of 3T3-L1, C3H/10T1/2, and KUM6 cells showed similar behavior of cell proliferation and distribution in the scaffold, indicating the applicability of the established procedure. It is concluded that the nonwoven PET/EVOH scaffold serves as a potential cell culture substrate for an efficient cell proliferation.

Preoperative Direct Puncture Embolization Using a Nonadhesive Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) Liquid Embolic Agent for Head and Neck Paragangliomas.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to assess the safety and technical efficacy of preoperative direct puncture embolization using a nonadhesive ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer-based liquid embolic agent (LEA) combined with balloon occlusion at the origin of the external carotid artery for head and neck paragangliomas (HNP). METHODS: We conducted a review of all consecutive cases of HNPs treated with direct puncture embolization using EVOH-based LEAs between 2017 and 2022 in 2 tertiary high-volume hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 25 cases of HNPs in 24 patients underwent direct puncture embolization (12 males, 12 females, mean age 50.9 ± 15.6 years). The average lesion volume was 299.95 mm3. The mean procedure time was 139.11 min, and the mean volume of EVOHs used per case was 19.38 mL. Successful complete devascularization was achieved in all cases, with a homogeneous and deep penetration of the embolic agent into the tumor vessel bed regardless of the LEA type. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization of HNPs using a direct puncture technique and EVOHs is a safe, efficient, and feasible treatment option with a low risk of complications. This procedure facilitates surgery by transforming tumors into avascular masses that are well-delineated against the surrounding normal tissue.

Enhancing meningioma resection: a comprehensive study on the safety and effectiveness of Onyx™ presurgical embolization.

Presurgical embolization (PE) has emerged as an interesting strategy to help turn brain tumor resection more amenable. This study aims to systematically review the safety and effectiveness of Onyx™ PE in meningioma resection. We followed Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA for systematic review and meta-analysis, querying PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Major complications were defined as other artery occlusion, visual deficits due to PE, or non temporary nerve damage, while minor included transitory conditions and others without clinical implications. A total of 186 patients were included, in which 120 were WHO grade I (80%), II (16%), and III (4%). Patient baseline characteristics and complications were distributed in groups without or with individual patient data analysis. Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis (IPDMA) was performed on the last category, comprising 51 meningiomas that underwent Onyx™ PE. Among available data, 70%, 17%, and 13% were WHO grade I, II, and III, respectively. Considering all studies, tumor characteristics regarding grade underscored a certain homogeneity. Complications occurred at a rate of 9% (95% CI, 4 to 14%; I2 = 35%), with the rate of major complications significantly lower at only 1% (95% CI, 0 to 3%; I2 = 32%), whereas of minor complications was 7% (95% CI, 3 to 10%; I2 = 0%). Mean surgery blood loss was 668.7 (95% CI, 534.9 to 835.8; I2 = 0%) in IPDMA. Onyx™ PE is promising for safer surgical meningioma resection, despite limitations. Further studies are required to validate efficacy, enhance patient selection, and refine techniques.

Endovascular embolization with EVOH for the treatment of a Rasmussen aneurysm.

First-line treatment of pulmonary artery aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms (PAA/PAPA) is percutaneous or endovascular embolization. The present case of a Rasmussen aneurysm, a PAPA caused by Tuberculosis (TB), was successfully treated with ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), a radiopaque liquid embolic agent with favorable characteristics. A 35-year-old man presented as a new patient with hemoptysis, and CT imaging revealed multiple cavitary lesions and a 2.1 cm aneurysm in the upper right lobe. Endovascular treatment was delivered and a complete lack of filling of the lesion was noted on post-treatment angiography. The patient's history includes risk factors and past TB infection. Despite the suspicious imaging, diagnostic tests were negative for active TB in this patient. He was then found to have MRSA bacteremia and a mediastinal lymph node positive for M. avium. The etiology of this aneurysm is suspicious for the superinfection of a chronic tuberculous cavity with M. avium, MRSA, or both.

Balloon Pressure Technique with the Scepter Mini Balloon as Part of the Endovascular Strategy for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Embolization : Preliminary Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: The balloon pressure technique (BPT) is an alternative to the pressure cooker technique. A dual lumen balloon (DLB) is used to inject the liquid embolic agent through the working lumen while the balloon is inflated. The purpose of our study was to report our early experience using the Scepter Mini dual lumen balloons for BPT in brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) embolization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients treated from July 2020 to July 2021 in 3 tertiary centers using the BPT with low-profile dual lumen balloons (Scepter Mini, Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) by endovascular means for bAVMs were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and bAVM angio-architectural features were collected. The feasibility of Scepter Mini balloon navigation close to the nidus was evaluated. Technical as well as clinical (ischemic and/or hemorrhagic) complications were also systematically assessed. The occlusion rate was evaluated on follow-up DSA. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients (10 females; mean age = 38.2 years) consecutively treated for a bAVM (8 ruptured/11 unruptured) using the BPT with a Scepter Mini through 23 embolization sessions were included in our series. Navigation of the Scepter Mini was feasible in all cases. Of the patients 3 (16%) had procedure-related ischemic stroke and 2 patients (10.5%) had late hemorrhages. None of these complications led to severe permanent sequela. Complete occlusion of bAVM embolized with intention to cure was recorded in 11/13 cases (84.6%). CONCLUSION: The BPT using low-profile dual lumen balloons is feasible and seems safe for embolization of bAVMs. It may help to reach high occlusion rates, especially when performed in the intent to cure by embolization only.

Successful retrieval of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) from the left middle cerebral artery during preoperative embolization of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).

Preoperative embolization of a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) using ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is an effective adjunctive treatment prior to surgical resection. While liquid embolic agents are safe to use, we present a unique case involving the migration of EVOH into the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) through an external carotid artery-internal carotid artery (ECA-ICA) collateral during preoperative embolization using a dual-lumen balloon catheter. A 16-year-old male presented with left-sided nasal congestion, new nasal intonation in voice, and epistaxis. CT imaging showed a hypervascular mass centered within the left posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx with expansion of the ipsilateral sphenopalatine foramen. A JNA was diagnosed, and preoperative embolization was performed prior to surgical resection. During the embolization procedure, EVOH migrated into the intracranial circulation through a hypertrophied ECA-ICA collateral. Angiography confirmed embolic material at the left MCA bifurcation. The embolic material was successfully removed using a balloon guide catheter and stentriever. This case is presented to highlight potential complications and rescue techniques used in the setting of non-target embolization occurring during JNA embolization.

Safety, Efficacy and Mid-Term Outcome for Transarterial Embolization (TAE) of Renal Angiomyolipoma (AML) Using Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Liquid Embolic Agent (EVOH).

Transarterial embolization (TAE) of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is effective in treating and preventing hemorrhage. We report our experience using EVOH with a single-center retrospective study of all AML embolized with EVOH between June 2013 and March 2022 at the Montpellier University Hospital. A total of 29 embolizations were carried out in 24 consecutive patients (mean age: 53.86 years; 21 women and 3 men) with 25 AMLs for severe bleeding, symptomatic AML, tumor size > 4 cm, or presence of aneurysm(s) > 5 mm. Data collected included imaging and clinical outcomes, tuberous sclerosis complex status, change in AML volume, rebleeding, renal function, volume and concentration of EVOH used, and complications. Out of 29 embolizations performed for 25 AMLs, four were performed in an emergency. Technical success was achieved for 24/25 AMLs. Mean AML volume reduction was 53.59% after a mean follow-up time of 446 days using MRI or CT scan. Aneurysms on angiogram and the symptomatological nature of AML, as well as secondary TAE and multiple arterial pedicles, were statistically associated (p < 0.05). Two patients (8%) underwent nephrectomy after TAE. Four patients had a second embolization. Minor and major complication rates were 12% and 8%, respectively. Neither rebleeding nor renal function impairment was noticed. TAE of AML using EVOH is, thus, highly effective and safe.

Embolization of Ruptured Infratentorial Pial AVM in Pregnancy.

A primigravida 22-year-old woman, at a gestation of 23 weeks, experienced bleeding from a pial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) located in the right cerebellum. After interdisciplinary consensus and with the informed consent of the patient and her family, AVM embolization was performed. Complete occlusion of the AVM was achieved by embolization with PHIL (precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid). The calculated dose in the uterus was less than 1 µSv, which represents a negligible risk of harmful effects on the fetus. She delivered a baby at 37 weeks of gestation by cesarean section without complications. No congenital disorders were diagnosed by standard screening methods until the age of the newborn was two years. The angiography protocol must be optimized to minimize the radiation dose. Adequate shielding protection of the uterus is important. Premature termination of pregnancy is not necessary. Multidisciplinary care of neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and obstetricians is necessary.

Efficacy and Safety of Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) Copolymer-Based Non-Adhesive Liquid Embolic Agents (NALEAs) in Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) of Acute Non-Neurovascular Bleeding: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is part of the daily practice of most interventional radiologists worldwide. The ideal liquid embolic agent is far from being identified. Non-adhesive liquid embolic agents (NALEA) harden from the outside to the inside, resulting in deep penetration, known as "magma-like" progression, which permits a more distal embolization with good control of the embolic material. This multicenter retrospective cohort study aims to assess the efficacy, feasibility and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH)-based NALEAs (Onyx and Squid) in acute bleeding outside of the neurovascular area. Materials and Methods: This study is a multicenter analysis of retrospectively collected data of consecutive patients who had undergone, from January 2015 to December 2022, transcatheter arterial embolization with non-adhesive EVOH-based agents in the setting of acute non-neurovascular bleeding. Results: Fifty-three patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for acute non-neurovascular bleeding. Eight (15.1%) procedures were performed in patients with coagulopathy. The most used concentration of EVOH-based NALEAs was 34 (i.e., 8%), with a mean dose of 0.5 (±0.3) mL. The mean CT-to-groin time, the mean procedure time, the mean CT-to-embolization time and the mean fluoroscopy time were 22.9 (±12.4) min, 27.5 (±7) min, 50.3 (±13.1) min and 7.5 (±2.8) min, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all cases with a 96.2% clinical success rate. Complications were recorded in six (11.3%) patients. No statistically significant differences were observed between the group of patients with coagulopathy and the group of patients without coagulopathy in terms of efficacy and safety endpoints. Conclusions: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) performed with non-adhesive EVOH-based embolic agents is an effective, feasible and safe strategy for the management of acute non-neurovascular bleeding, even in the subgroup of patients with coagulopathy.

Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Our Experience.

Para-pharyngeal space (PPS) tumors include an heterogeneous group of neoplasms, accounting for approximatively 0.5-1.5% of all head and neck tumors. Management of these neoplasms requires a careful diagnostic workout and an appropriate surgical approach to obtain good outcomes associated with minimal aesthetic drawbacks. In this study we investigated clinical onset, histologic features, surgical treatment outcomes, peri operative complications and follow up of 98 patients treated for PPS tumors in our Centre between 2002 and 2021. Furthermore, we reviewed our preliminary experience of preoperative embolization of hyper vascular PPS tumors trough SQUID12, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH) which exhibits many advantages over other embolic agents, due to its better devascularization rate and lower risk of systemic complications. Our data support the hypothesis that transoral surgery scenario should be significantly revised, as it could represent a valid treatment for tumors located in lower and prestyloyd portion of PPS. Moreover, SQUID12, a novel embolization agent, may be a very promising choice for PPS hyper vascularized tumors, ensuring higher devascularization rate, safer procedures and lower risk of systemic dispersion compared to traditional Contour treatment.

Transarterial embolization of acute non-neurologic bleeding using Ethylene Vynil Alcohol Copolymer: a single-Centre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate feasibility, safety and effectiveness of transarterial embolization of acute non-neurologic hemorrhage with Ethylene Vynil Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH). METHODS: Between January 2018 and June 2021, 211 patients (male 123, mean age 69.7 y + 17.9) who underwent transarterial embolization with Onyx™ for acute non-neurologic arterial bleeding were retrospectively reviewed. Most frequent etiology of bleeding was post-operative (89/211, 42.2%), trauma (62/211, 29.4%) and tumor (18/211, 8.5%). Technical success was defined as the angiographic evidence of target vessel complete occlusion. Clinical success was defined as resolution of bleeding. Any rebleeding within the primitive site, requiring a new intervention during the first 30-days following embolization, was considered a clinical failure. Occurrence of procedure-related complication and mortality within 30 days of the embolization were examined. RESULTS: A total of 229 embolization procedures was performed in 211 pts.; technical success rate was 99.5% (210/211 pts). Clinical success rate was 94.3% (199/211 pts). In 11 patients (5.2%) a reintervention was needed because of a rebleeding occurring within the primitive site, whereas in five patients (2.4%) rebleeding occurred within a site different from the primitive. Factors more often associated with clinical failure were coagulopathy/ongoing anticoagulant therapy (5/11, 45.4%), and post-operative etiology (3/11, 27.3%). EVOH was used as the sole embolic agent in 214/229 procedures (93.4%), in association with coils in 11 cases (4.8%), and with microparticles in 4 cases (1.7%). In the present series, major complications occurred in 6 cases (2.8%): respectively, four cases (1.9%) of colonic ischemia and two groin hematomas (0.9%) with active extravasation were observed. 26 (12.3%) patients died during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Embolization of acute arterial bleeding with EVOH as a first-line embolic agent is feasible, safe and effective.

Outcome and technical evolution of type 2 endoleak embolization with ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel approaches to type 2 endoleak access for the purpose of embolization using ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer (EVOH) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac expansion post endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR). METHODS: A retrospective review of 43 consecutive patients (mean age = 80.2 ± 6.7 years) who underwent 52 embolization procedures for type 2 endoleaks using EVOH was performed at a single institution. Catheterization of the endoleaks was achieved using the transarterial (TA) and direct translumbar approaches (DTL), in addition to the novel direct transabdominal (DTA) and perigraft (PG) approaches. Endpoints included technical success of endoleak catheterization, technical success of endoleak embolization, endoleak persistence, endoleak recurrence, AAA sac area change, and adverse events. RESULTS: The TA, DTL, DTA, and PG approaches were used 25, 2, 14, and 19 times respectively, including nine procedures where a combination of approaches was used. The technical success rate of endoleak embolization was 98%. Five patients developed recurrent type 2 endoleaks, while five patients developed a type 1 endoleak. The persistent endoleak rate at a mean initial follow-up of 3 months was 34%. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, 58% of patients demonstrated absence of an endoleak, and 71% showed freedom from AAA sac enlargement. No major adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: The DTA and PG approaches were safe and effective in this cohort of patients undergoing embolization of type 2 endoleaks with EVOH.

Assessment of gas dispersion near an operating landfill treated by different intermediate covers with soil alone, low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) geomembrane.

This study evaluated the impact area of odiferous gas (i.e., H2S) dispersion near an operating landfill installed with three different intermediate covers, including soil alone, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) geomembrane (GM). By using the finite element method employing Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes and Fick's Law coupled equations, the performance of the different cover cases for reducing odor dispersion was comparatively evaluated considering environmental factors, including topographic, meteorology, and gas emission. The odor dispersion patterns and the size of affected residents were analyzed for the twelve different scenarios varied with the cover type and seasonal variation. According to the results, it was found that the wind speed affected the time of odor dispersions more with the relatively flat terrain conditions around the landfill but barely affected the size of the dispersion area. Moreover, it was found that the higher concentration (100 ppb) of odor gas is mainly located within a 5.0-km distance from the landfill. Among four seasons, the odor covers the largest area in summer, which is mainly due to the landfill producing more odor gas and giving a higher source concentration in summer. The gas dispersion simulation for different covers showed that the type of covering layer significantly affects the impact area boundary of gas odor. The results showed that the odor area of the LLDPE GM cover case is 1.3% of soil alone case, and the case of EVOH GM is 14.5% of LLDPE GM case. At the same time, the number of residents that may be affected by the odor of the LLDPE GM case and EVOH GM case is 4.81% and 0.63% of soil alone case, respectively.

Characterization, biodegradation and cytotoxicity of thermoplastic starch and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer blends.

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol samples containing 27 and 38 % ethylene were used to prepare blends containing 30 and 50 % thermoplastic starch (TPS) plasticized with glycerol. Their biodegradability and cytotoxicity were studied by different techniques (XRD, DSC, TGA, CA, ATR-FTIR, SEM). TPS presence significantly affected copolymer behavior, as confirmed by the appearance of OH IR 1000-1170 cm-1 bands and overall reduction of EVOH crystallinity, melting point, thermal stability and hydrophobicity. Biodegradation was more efficient in the presence of TPS and resulted in the formation of a robust biofilm by a consortium of three bacteria. A lower ethylene content facilitated biodegradation, making the material easier to metabolize. The mineralization percentages obtained after a 40-day bioassay at 45 °C were up to 66 % (EVOH-27/TPS 50:50). In vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated no cytotoxicity before and after biodegradation. EVOH/TPS blends are presented as a potential environmentally friendly alternative to pure synthetic polymers.