Hemostatic embolization
Emergency procedure to occlude the artery responsible for active bleeding via endovascular approach, regardless of the organ involved.
The information below is provided for general educational purposes only. It describes the procedure in general terms and may not apply to your specific situation. Only your interventional radiologist can provide you with personalized information adapted to your case.
What does this intervention involve?
Background and indications
Hemostatic embolization is performed urgently for active bleeding uncontrollable by medical treatments. Main indications include: gastrointestinal hemorrhage, post-traumatic bleeding (spleen, liver, kidney, pelvis), hemoptysis, postpartum hemorrhage and post-surgical bleeding.
Benefits
Embolization enables rapid and targeted bleeding control without open surgery. It is often lifesaving and represents first-line treatment in many hemorrhagic situations.
Procedure
In emergency, under local anesthesia (sometimes general depending on patient condition), a catheter is introduced via the femoral or radial artery and guided by fluoroscopy to the bleeding artery. The radiologist injects an embolization agent (particles, coils, glue, gelatin) to occlude the bleeding vessel. The procedure lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Risks
Non-target embolization potentially causing organ ischemia. Puncture site hematoma. Recurrent bleeding requiring repeat embolization or surgery. Contrast-induced kidney injury is possible.
Recovery and follow-up
Monitoring in intensive or intermediate care depending on severity. Laboratory and sometimes imaging follow-up within 24-48 hours. Hospital stay depends on underlying condition.
Practical information
Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).
This information does not replace a medical consultation. Each procedure is adapted to the patient's individual situation. Your doctor will explain the specific details, expected benefits and potential risks during your consultation.
Doctors and centers/departments performing this intervention
18 doctors
Dr Ignacio ANDRES CANO
Radiologue interventionnelRennaz
Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Quentin
Centre hospitalierSaint-Quentin
CHU Helora Site Jolimont
CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire)La Louvière
Dr Frederic COHEN
Radiologue interventionnelAubagne, Marseille
Dr Alexia DABADIE
Radiologue interventionnelDr Arthur DAVID
Radiologue interventionnelNantes
Dr Vincent DUROUS
Radiologue interventionnelAnnecy, Argonay, Épagny
Dr Cédric FOUSSIER
Radiologue interventionnelParis
Hôpital Européen Marseille
Clinique privéeMarseille
Dr Quentin LAFERTÉ
Radiologue interventionnelSaint-Quentin
Dr Thibaud LEFORT
Radiologue interventionnelLyon
Dr Lucas MOSCATELLI
Radiologue interventionnelSaint-Paul