loaded microspheres generated high CT contrast in vitro (average 2023.6 Hounsfield Units ±710 SD) (figure 1A) and were then tested in vivo. Three 50 µl injections of BaSO4-loaded microspheres (46.87 mg/ml in 60% GRANUGEL®; 21G needle) were delivered into the myocardium of Sprague Dawley rats under real-time ultrasound-guidance (n=6). Whole body CT scans revealed BaSO4-loaded microspheres at the injection site within the myocardium at 1 hour, 2, 4 and 6 days after injection (figure 1B and 1C). These findings were confirmed by histology (figure 1D). A low level of microspheres was visualised in off-target organs including lung, brain and liver, indicating some material was lost during injection. These findings suggest that BaSO4-loaded microspheres can be used as a novel tool for optimising delivery techniques and tracking persistence and distribution of implanted products.
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