A Light-microscopic Observation of Rabbit Auricular Artery Embolization with Gelatin Sponge Powder
Rabbit auricular arteries were embolized with gelatin sponge powder. A suspension of less than 0.5 ml was required when injection into the auricular artery. Embolic lesions were distinguishable by palpation and inspection. Gelatin sponge was seen in arterial lumina of 500-1000 μm in diameter, and was absorbed in about one month mainly by phagocytosis of histiocytes. The inner coat of the artery disappeared just after embolization. Endothelial cells proliferated into the thrombus from the 7th day, and then formed a new vascular canal in one to two months, accompanied by a thick inner coat mainly composed of smooth muscle cells. Ischemic necrosis did not occur.
