Find answers to common questions about Obsidio Embolic, like mechanism of action, indications for use, and differences compared to other embolics.
No, Obsidio is a new kind of embolic device called a Conformable Embolic. Conformable means that it conforms to the anatomy but also responds to user input, delivering different embolic effects from different injection forces.
Obsidio is a zero prep, shear-thinning embolic that allows an injectable solid to be delivered via microcatheter
Yes. Obsidio induces a very localized immune reaction. This reaction works to break down the components of Obsidio (except for tantalum), remodels the vessel structure, and replaces Obsidio with fibrous tissue. A preclinical chronic study showed complete vessel occlusion at 180 days.
When force is removed, the electrostatic bonds reform and the material returns to its semi-solid state, occluding the vessel.
Obsidio creates a mechanical embolization and is aided by endothelial interactions, which help to “lock” Obsidio into place in the vessel.
Obsidio is indicated for use in the embolization of hypervascular tumors and blood vessels to occlude blood flow for controlling bleeding/hemorrhaging in the peripheral vasculature.
Due to the shear-thinning nature of Obsidio, the product is indicated for vessels 3 mm or smaller.
A shear-thinning embolic is semi-solid (or paste-like) in its normal state. But when force is applied, its viscosity (or thickness) decreases, allowing it to flow through a microcatheter like a liquid. This occurs because electrostatic bonds within the gel temporarily break when force is applied, and then reform (nearly instantaneously) when force is removed.
Obsidio provides very rapid occlusion (.2 to .3 mL of material embolizes a vessel in Obsidio’s indicated size range) compared to mechanical embolic devices, which may require multiple coils or adjunctive embolic devices in the case of plugs.
Obsidio has a much higher safety profile versus glue (you don’t run the risk of gluing your catheter in place), and you have more control due to the shear-thinning nature of Obsidio.
Obsidio is imageable under multiple imaging modalities and provides the ability to visualize in real-time. Obsidio can also be visualized in follow-up CT without streak artifact.
Obsidio requires no prep (no mixing or shaking).
