Of 541 patients with selective arteriography or arterial embolization there were 16 cases developing clinically significant complications, 9(1.6%) were related to arteriography, 2 of which were pronounced hematomas at the puncture site and 7 subintimal injections in various selected arteries. 7(11.6%) complications occurred in a total of 60 cases of arterial embolization, among which there were 1 accidental embolization of the brain, 5 unexpected ischemic changes resulting in even dry gangrene and 1 vascular injury by the embolizing substance. The causes and hazards as well as prevention and management of the complications were briefly discussed.