Polymerisation of cyanoacrylates: The effect of sclero-embolic and contrast agents

Abstract

Objectives The objective is to investigate the interaction of sclero-embolic and contrast agents with the polymerisation of medical grade n-butyl-cyanoacrylates. Methods An in vitro spectrophotometric absorbance method was developed to detect changes in light transmission to measure n-BCA polymerisation. The initiation and the rate-of-polymerisation of mixtures of n-BCA with sclero-embolic and contrast agents were investigated. Results Initiation of polymerisation: VENABLOCK™ and HISTOACRYL® were the fastest agents to polymerise, while VENASEAL™ was the slowest. Rate of polymerisation: Hypertonic saline inhibited the polymerisation of all n-BCAs, while hypertonic glucose prolonged the polymerisation rate. ETHANOL and detergent sclerosants had no effect. Contrast agents OMNIPAQUE™ and ULTRAVIST® initiated and prolonged the polymerisation of n-BCA, but in contrast, LIPIODOL® failed to initiate the process. Conclusions The commercially available medical cyanoacrylates differ in their polymerisation rates. These polymerisation rates are further affected when these products are used in conjunction with other compounds, such as sclero-embolic and contrast agents.