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Review
. 2025;19(1):2024-0055.
doi: 10.5797/jnet.ra.2024-0055. Epub 2024 Oct 17.

NBCA: Basic Knowledge

Naoya Kidani  1 , Nobuyuki Hirotsune  1
Affiliations
Review

NBCA: Basic Knowledge

Naoya Kidani et al. J Neuroendovasc Ther. 2025.

Abstract

Various types of embolic substances are used in endovascular therapy, and understanding their characteristics, including shape and kinetics, is essential for proper use. Cyanoacrylate is a typical liquid embolization agent that can be applied to many cerebral neurovascular lesions. It is injected as a mixture with ethiodized oil to provide radiopacity and regulate the polymerization rate. This review describes the characteristics, action mechanisms, techniques of use, and potential pitfalls of using cyanoacrylate-ethiodized oil mixtures for embolization.

Keywords: NBCA; embolic material; transcatheter embolization.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. The chemical structure of monomeric cyanoacrylate (A). The R represents an alkyl group. The monomeric (B) and polymeric (C) forms of NBCA are also shown. NBCA, N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Visual appearances and preparation of a mixture before embolization. (A) Histoacryl 0.5 mL vial and (B) Lipiodol 10 mL vial. (C) Histoacryl and Lipiodol are mixed in a plastic luer-lock syringe (asterisk). (D) The mixture is warmed with a hair dryer for 1 minute just before the injection.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. A scheme showing the difference in behavior depending on the concentration. (A) A high-concentration of NBCA polymerizes and hardens immediately upon contact with blood, thus occluding short segments and functioning as a proximal embolic material. (B) Low-concentration NBCA polymerizes as it flows in the bloodstream, resulting in deep penetration away from the catheter tip. NBCA, N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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