Angiographic embolisation in arterial trauma.
OBJECTIVE
to evaluate the use of endovascular occlusion in the treatment of arterial trauma.


METHODS
records of patients with penetrating arterial injuries treated by endovascular occlusive techniques were culled from the computerised database of the vascular service.


RESULTS
the study period spanned 7 years. Forty-two patients were studied with injuries to the cervicofacial vessels (24), lower limb (16) and upper limb (1). 13 had an arteriovenous fistula. There were 4 failures. In 2 cannulation was not achieved and in 2 with A-VF distal vessel occlusion was impossible. Two patients developed complications. In the remainder, treatment was effective and durable.


CONCLUSIONS
this treatment modality is effective and safe in the treatment of penetrating trauma in selected patients.
Naidoo
N M
NM
Department of Surgery, University of Natal, South Africa.
Corr
P D
PD
Robbs
J V
JV
Maharaj
J
J
Nair
R
R
D000792:Angiography; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006801:Humans; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000628:therapy*