Onyx (interventional radiology)

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In interventional radiology, Onyx is a trade name for a copolymer used for embolisation therapy,[1] which involves the occlusion of blood vessels. It is a liquid embolic agent. Onyx is produced and sold by Medtronic (previously Covidien, which acquired ev3 Inc., the original developer of Onyx, in 2010).

## Components

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Onyx consists of Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer, soluted in Dimethyl-Sulfoxide (DMSO). Depending on the desired character of the liquid, the concentration can be varied: For example, 6% EVOH (trade name Onyx 18) or 8% EVOH (trade name Onyx 34). Micronized tantalum powder is added in order to maintain Radiopacity.[2]

## Approval

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Onyx was approved as 'Humanitarian Use Device (HUD)' for the treatment of saccular aneurysms that are not surgically removable by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States on April 11, 2007.[3][4]

## References

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1. ^ Onyx Liquid Embolic System Ev3 Inc. website: Marketing page for the Onyx product
2. ^ Embolization of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations with Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (Onyx). American Journal of Neuroradiology 30:99-106, January 2009.
3. ^ [1] FDA approval overview
4. ^ [2] Approval letter from FDA to Ev3 Neurovascular