Patent ID: 8221735

Claim:
A method for embolization, comprising the steps: providing a composition comprising macromers having a polymeric backbone comprising units with a 1,2-diol or 1,3-diol structure and at least two pendant chains bearing crosslinkable groups and having the formula: in which R is a linear or branched C 1 -C 8 alkylene or a linear or branched C 1 -C 12 alkane; R 1 is hydrogen, a C 1 -C 6 alkyl, or a cycloalkyl; R 2 is hydrogen or a C 1 -C 6 alkyl; and R 3 is an olefinically unsaturated electron attracting copolymerizable radical having up to 25 carbon atoms; delivering the composition to the intended site of embolization, or upstream of the intended site; and then crosslinking the macromers to form a hydrogel; wherein the crosslinkable groups of the macromer are crosslinkable via free radical polymerization that is redox initiated; and the composition comprises a first solution comprising a reductant and a second solution comprising an oxidant and the macromers are present in either or both solutions.