Treatment of acute hemoptysis by bronchial artery embolization

Objective To study the clinical value of bronchial artery embolization in treatment of acute hemoptysis,and to observe healing effect and complications by different embolism technique and materials. Methods Bronchial artery embolization was performed in 44 cases with acute hemoptysis. Selective embolization was performed in 26 cases,and super-selective embolization in 18 cases. 20 cases were embolized with simple gelfoam particles and 24 cases with other agents. All patients were followed up for six to twelve months. Results Immediate and complete control was achieved in 38 cases (86.4%),marked reduce in bleeding showed in 6 cases (13.6%). Recurrence occurred in 5 cases (11.3%),4 of them were with simple gelfoam particles,and 1 together with other agents. Severe complications happened in 4 cases (9.1%),all with selective embolism technique. Conclusion Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a rather safe and effective method for treatment of acute hemoptysis,and strict standard,reasonable choice of embolism technique and embolism agents are very important in reducing recurrence and complications.