Embolization of bronchial arteries: Single center experiences

Background/Aim The most common indications for bronchial-artery embolisation are massive hemoptysis. The aim of our study was to present the basic characteristics of patients who underwent bronchial-artery embolisation and to point out the great importance of this therapeutic method. Methods It is a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study, which included all patients who underwent embolization in the period from June 2007 to October 2023 due to hemoptysis. Results The total number of patients in our study was 192, with average amount of coughed up blood that was 100 ml. In ratio 6:4 (respectively), we performed bronchial-artery embolisation in men and women. The average age was 59 years. Based on bronchoscopy, multidetector computed tomography findings or selective angiography, it was determined that the cause of hemoptysis in 65.1% patients was on the right, in 31.8% on the left, and in 3.1% the cause of hemoptysis was bilateral. Bronchial arteries dilatation (diameter above 2 mm) existed in 52.6% patients. Pathological network of blood vessels was verified in 27.6% patients. In approximately three quarters of the patients (76.6%), we used coils as an embolizing agent, to avoid the possibility of embolization of the systemic circulation due to frequent existence of pathological arteriovenous communication, so we had no complications. Embolizing beads were used in 23.4% of patients. The average number of coils consumed per patient was two. In 87.0% patients we performed single intervention, while 13.0% needed reintervention. Conclusions The bronchial-artery embolisation is an effective endovascular method for the care of patients with massive hemoptysis, comfortable for the patient, with minimal risk. Using coils as an embolization agent is a more effective and safer method, compared to embolization particles or liquid agents.