Ep. 549 Liquid Embolics: Practical Applications and Techniques with Dr. Gary Siskin

Liquid embolics are a relatively new addition to the interventional radiology toolkit—how well do you understand the technical considerations that come with using these agents? Get up to speed in this episode of the BackTable Podcast where Dr. Gary Siskin, Chair of Radiology at Albany Medical Center, shares his expertise. --- This podcast is supported by: Sirtexhttps://www.sirtex.com/us/ --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Siskin provides expert insights into the use of liquid embolic agents, including Onyx and LAVA, with a focus on their practical applications, techniques for safe and effective deployment, and the critical role they play in treating complex cases which range from peripheral and traumatic hemorrhage to portal vein embolization. He highlights the importance of understanding the viscosity and flow characteristics of various liquid embolic agents, providing expert guidance on ensuring optimal catheter positioning, case selection, and avoidance of common pitfalls. Additionally, he shares strategies for tailoring injection speed based on vessel caliber to mitigate reflux. The episode ends with final thoughts on best practices and future directions for the technology. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:09 - Historical Perspective on Liquid Embolics06:37 - Practical Applications and Techniques16:14 - Handling Catheters and Reflux Concerns22:38 - Trauma Embolization26:53 - Visibility and Injection Techniques29:06 - Catheter Compatibility and Vessel Size32:53 - Best Practices and Common Mistakes45:55 - Final Thoughts and Advice --- RESOURCES Arslan B, Razavi MK, Siskin G, et al. The LAVA Study: A Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Arm Study of a Liquid Embolic System for Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Hemorrhage. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2025;36(3):436-445.e2. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2024.11.005 Onyx Liquid Embolic System: https://europe.medtronic.com/xd-en/healthcare-professionals/products/cardiovascular/peripheral-embolization/onyx-liquid-embolic-system.html LAVA Liquid Embolic System:https://www.sirtex.com/us/products/lava-liquid-embolic-system/product-information/