During preparation of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue for transcatheter embolization, increasing the proportion of Lipiodol in the NBCA-Lipiodol mixture will have which effect?

• A It renders the mixture radiolucent on fluoroscopy
• B It accelerates the polymerization time of the mixture
• C It has no effect on polymerization time
• D It slows the polymerization time of the mixture ✓

Explanation

NBCA polymerizes instantly on contact with ionic solutions such as blood. Lipiodol acts as a diluent, so a higher Lipiodol concentration delays polymerization and gives the operator a longer working time for more distal catheter positioning, while a concentrated mix sets faster for high-flow situations. Lipiodol is added precisely because it also makes the mixture radiopaque, so option A states the opposite of its actual effect, and this ratio adjustment is the core skill in liquid embolic work.

Reference: Grainger and Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.