Preparation of nanocomposites based on polyacrylic acid and their embolic properties for postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant obstetric complication, representing 25% of all obstetric complications. Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) has been proven to be a rapid and effective method for controlling intractable postpartum hemorrhage. Gelatin sponge embolic agent (Gelatin) is a commonly used interventional embolic agent for PPH. However, it is often challenging to completely block the injured blood vessel, which can lead to inadequate control of active bleeding, such as pseudoaneurysms. The liquid embolic agent (PAA-LDH@PEG200), which comprises polyacrylic acid (PAA), two-dimensional layered double hydroxide (LDH), and Polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200), can rapidly solidify into a hydrogel to achieve complete vascular occlusion. In the in vitro occlusion model, the nanocomposite PAA-LDH@PEG200 exhibits a displacement pressure of up to 150 kPa in pipes of varying diameters, significantly surpassing the pressure caused by Gelatin occlusion. In addition, PAA-LDH@PEG200 has shown good biocompatibility and biodegradability in vivo and in vitro. The results indicate that the developed liquid embolic agent is poised to replace gelatin sponge particles as a next-generation embolic agent for treating postpartum hemorrhage.