Radiopaque nano and polymeric materials for atherosclerosis imaging, embolization and other catheterization procedures

In this review paper, we discussed the physics of radiopacity and X-ray/ CT, clinically used contrast agents, and the recent progress in the development of radiopaque imaging agents and devices for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We focused on radiopaque imaging agents for atherosclerosis, radiopaque embolic agents, drug eluting beads, and other radiopaque medical devices related to catheterization procedures to treat CVDs. Common strategies of introducing radiopacity in the polymers, together with examples of their applications in imaging and medical devices, are also presented.176