Vascular Solutions Launches Gel-Bead Embolization Spheres

June 19, 2014—Vascular Solutions, Inc. announced the United States market launch of its Gel-Bead embolization spheres for the treatment of hypervascular tumors. Gel-Bead, which received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration in April, will be sold to interventional radiologists who currently embolize hypervascular tumors with microspheres, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) particles, and gelatin foam slurries.

According to Vascular Solutions, Gel-Bead embolization spheres are precisely sized, bioresorbable beads of gelatin that are absorbed by the body over time, providing physicians with a treatment option for hypervascular tumors in cases when a permanent embolic agent is not desired. The uniform spheres are designed to provide smooth embolic delivery and predictable distribution at an economical price. Gel-Bead is supplied in 20-mL syringes, each containing 1 mL of gelatin spheres suspended in 5 mL of saline. Gel-Bead is available in four sizes of sphere diameter (100–300 µm, 300–500 µm, 500–700 µm, and 700–1,000 µm), each identified by a different-colored syringe plunger.

In July 2012, the company announced the launch of its first vascular embolization product, Gel-Block, which consists of a pledget of gelatin foam that is radially compressed for delivery.