Transcatheter arterial embolization for emergency treatment of severely traumatic hemorrhage

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of transcatheter arterial embolization for emergency treatment of severely traumatic hemorrhage. Methods Forty-three cases of traumatic hemorrhage who failed for conservative therapy or operation, including 16 cases of basicranial fracture, 3 cases of rib fracture, 2 cases of hepatic trauma, 2 cases of splenic trauma, 1 case of renal trauma, 1 case of lower limb stab, and 18 cases of pelvic fracture, were accepted urgent angiography and embolization in 1-5 hours after trauma. The target arteries were embolized with glutin sponge, steel coils or detachable balloons. Results Except 3 cases of basicranial fracture and 2 cases of pelvic fracture died in the course of angiography. The other 38 cases were successfully accepted embolization within 1.5 hours. The success rate was 88.4% (38/43). Bleeding was controlled immediately with restoring of their vital sign after embolization. The effectiveness rate was 100% (38/38). Thirty-five cases were cured, and 2 cases died of DIC and 1 case died of brain trauma. No serious complications occurred. Conclusion Transcatheter arterial embolization is a more effective, safer and easier method for controlling the severely traumatic hemorrhage.