BackTable / VI / Podcast / Episode #549
Liquid Embolics: Practical Applications & Techniques
with Dr. Gary Siskin
Liquid embolics are a relatively new addition to the interventional radiology toolkit—how well do you understand the technical considerations that come with using these agents? Get up to speed in this episode of the BackTable Podcast where Dr. Gary Siskin, Chair of Radiology at Albany Medical Center, shares his expertise.
This podcast is supported by:
Be part of the conversation. Put your sponsored messaging on this episode. Learn how.

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, June 3). Ep. 549 – Liquid Embolics: Practical Applications & Techniques [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
Stay Up To Date
Follow:
Subscribe:
Sign Up:
Podcast Contributors
Dr. Gary Siskin
Dr. Gray Siskin is a professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology and Chief of the Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology at Albany Med Health System in New York.
Dr. Christopher Beck
Dr. Chris Beck is a practicing interventional radiologist with Regional Radiology Group in New Orleans.
Synopsis
Dr. Siskin provides expert insights into the use of liquid embolic agents, including Onyx and LAVA, with a focus on their practical applications, techniques for safe and effective deployment, and the critical role they play in treating complex cases which range from peripheral and traumatic hemorrhage to portal vein embolization. He highlights the importance of understanding the viscosity and flow characteristics of various liquid embolic agents, providing expert guidance on ensuring optimal catheter positioning, case selection, and avoidance of common pitfalls. Additionally, he shares strategies for tailoring injection speed based on vessel caliber to mitigate reflux. The episode ends with final thoughts on best practices and future directions for the technology.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:09 - Historical Perspective on Liquid Embolics
06:37 - Practical Applications and Techniques
16:14 - Handling Catheters and Reflux Concerns
22:38 - Trauma Embolization
26:53 - Visibility and Injection Techniques
29:06 - Catheter Compatibility and Vessel Size
32:53 - Best Practices and Common Mistakes
45:55 - Final Thoughts and Advice
Resources
Arslan B, Razavi MK, Siskin G, et al. The LAVA Study: A Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Arm Study of a Liquid Embolic System for Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Hemorrhage. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2025;36(3):436-445.e2. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2024.11.005
Onyx Liquid Embolic System:
https://europe.medtronic.com/xd-en/healthcare-professionals/products/cardiovascular/peripheral-embolization/onyx-liquid-embolic-system.html
LAVA Liquid Embolic System:
https://www.sirtex.com/us/products/lava-liquid-embolic-system/product-information/
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.