ObjectiveTo prepare visualized iodized oil-5-fluorouracil loaded polylactic acid(PLA) micropheres for hepatic artery embolism treatment.MethodsBiocompatible and biodegradable material PLA was used as vector and iodized oil was used as positive contrast agent to prepare 5-fluorouracil loaded microspheres using double emulsion method. The preparation technology of the microspheres was developed through optimization of appearance, size distribution, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency by orthogonal-designing method.ResultsThe prepared PLA microspheres were round in shape and had a homogenous diameter distribution. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a pored surface, with an average diameter of 100 μm. The encapsulation efficiency and drug content of microspheres were (63.34%±0.54%) and (10.78%±0.14%), respectively.ConclusionWe have successfully prepared the visualized iodized oil-5-fluorouracil PLA microspheres, which can release 5-fluorouracil in a controlled manner.