Liquid Embolic Agents
Onyx Liquid Embolic System (Onyx LES)
Indications for Use
The Onyx® Liquid Embolic System (hereinafter called the Onyx® LES) is indicated for the presurgical embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs).
Key Specifications
- Non-adhesive liquid embolic agent comprised of EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) copolymer dissolved in DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide)
- Suspended micronized tantalum powder for fluoroscopic visualization
- System includes 1.5 ml vial of Onyx, 1.5 ml vial of DMSO, and three 1 ml Onyx delivery syringes
- Requires DMSO-compatible delivery microcatheter (e.g., Marathon, Rebar, or UltraFlow HPC catheters) for neurovasculature access
- Two formulations: Onyx 18 (6% EVOH, lower viscosity for distal penetration) and Onyx 34 (8% EVOH)
- Solidification occurs within five minutes for both formulations
- Delivered via slow controlled injection through microcatheter under fluoroscopy
- DMSO solvent dissipates into blood, precipitating EVOH and tantalum into spongy, coherent embolus
- Forms immediate skin as embolus solidifies from outside to inside while advancing distally
- Maximum infusion rate: 0.3 ml/min
- Compatible with adjunctive devices like coils and cyanoacrylate glues
- 3-year shelf life validated through real-time and accelerated aging tests
- Sterilized via dry heat for Onyx and DMSO, ethylene oxide for syringes
Description
The Onyx Liquid Embolic System (Onyx LES) is a non-adhesive liquid embolic agent consisting of EVOH copolymer dissolved in DMSO with suspended tantalum powder for fluoroscopic contrast. It includes a 1.5 ml vial of Onyx, a 1.5 ml vial of DMSO, and three 1 ml delivery syringes, used with compatible neurovascular microcatheters. Available as Onyx 18 (6% EVOH) or Onyx 34 (8% EVOH), it is injected slowly to embolize brain arteriovenous malformations, where DMSO dissipates, precipitating the agent into a solid, spongy embolus that solidifies from the outside in within five minutes.