Percutaneous transcatheter embolization in arterial injuries of the lower limbs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization (PTE) in lower extremity arterial injuries.


METHODS
From January 2000 to June 2004, patients who presented with a penetrating trauma of the lower limbs, along with bleeding and with no sign of ischemia or hemodynamic instability, were included in the study. The injuries were embolized by coils and Gelfoam. The efficacy of PTE was defined as its ability to stop bleeding both radiographically and clinically, and its safety was determined by the complication rate.


RESULTS
There were 10 embolizations, which consisted of 5 profundal femoral, 3 superior gluteal, and 2 inferior gluteal artery embolizations. PTE was effective in all patients. There were two inguinal hematomas, which did not require any intervention, and there was a temporary renal function alteration. The mean hospital stay of these patients was 2.67 +/- 0.91 days.


CONCLUSIONS
PTE may be an effective and safe method of treatment in certain cases with lower limb arterial injuries. However, patients should be selected meticulously by both the vascular surgeon and the interventional radiologist, and PTE should be undertaken only in experienced hands.
Aksoy
M
M
Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty of Istanbul, Istanbul University, Turkey. maksoy@tnn.net
Taviloglu
K
K
Yanar
H
H
Poyanli
A
A
Ertekin
C
C
Rozanes
I
I
Guloglu
R
R
Kurtoglu
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries*; D002081:Buttocks / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000628:therapy
D006490:Hemostatics