Endovasular embolization treats diseased and malfunctioned vasculature through a minimally invasive approach that significantly benefits patients. Advances in engineering and materials science have contributed to novel generations of embolic materials that addresses challenges existed in clinically used agents. In this review, we discuss the clinically available embolic agents, their formulations and applications. Additionally, we examine materials in development for embolization, and emphasize the challenges during the process of transitioning from basic science to translational applications in this field.

An ionic liquid formulation ablates tumors, uniformly distributes drugs in the ablation zone, and has synergistic effects with chemotherapy.