Microcatheter embolization of hemorrhages

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of embolotherapy using microcatheters in patients with hemorrhage from various locations.

Methods: Among 29 patients there were 13 with severe epistaxis, 7 with gastrointestinal bleeding, 4 with hemorrhage in the kidney, 4 with bleeding in pelvic organs and 1 with bleeding in the shoulder region. In all cases, a Tracker-18 or Tracker-10 microcatheter was advanced coaxially through a 4.1 Fr guiding catheter in order to reach the bleeding site as distally as possible. Polyvinyl alcohol microparticles and/or platinum microcoils were used as embolic material.

Results: The bleeding was stopped in 90% (26 of 29) of cases. In 66% of cases the treatment was curative, in 7% preoperative, and in 17% palliative. There were 3 clinical failures.

Conclusion: Microcatheter embolization is an effective and safe means of managing different kinds of hemorrhage of various causes from a variety of sites.