Frequently asked questions

No, Obsidio is not a liquid embolic. It’s a new kind of embolic device called a Conformable Embolic. Conformable means that it conforms to the anatomy (like a liquid) but it also conforms to the user input (e.g. based on the injection forces you’re able to create different embolic effects).

Obsidio is a shear-thinning embolic that allows an injectable solid to be delivered via microcatheter.  

It means that when the embolic is in a nominal (or normal) state, it’s semi-solid. However, when a shear force is applied, its viscosity (or thickness) decreases, allowing it to be deliverable via microcatheter. This occurs because electrostatic bonds within the gel temporarily break when shear is applied, and reform (near instantaneously) when shear is removed. This is what makes Obsidio conformable.

When force is removed, the electrostatic bonds are re-formed, and it returns to a semi-solid (near instantaneously). This creates a mechanical cast to occlude the vessel.

Obsidio creates a mechanical embolization and is aided by endothelial interactions, which help to “lock” Obsidio into place in the vessel.

Yes. Obsidio induces a very localized immune reaction. This immune 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.

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.

• 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).