Transarterial microcatheter glue embolization of the bronchial artery for life-threatening hemoptysis: technical and clinical results.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with transarterial glue embolization of the bronchial artery for life-threatening hemoptysis.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients underwent bronchial artery embolization, using coaxial microcatheter technique, with a liquid agent, n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), named glue, for life-threatening hemoptysis. The technical and clinical outcomes were followed in terms of immediate control of bleeding, recurrence of hemoptysis and complications of the procedure.


RESULTS
Four patients had acute hemoptysis when they were evaluated. The average number of arteries embolized per patient was 2.9. BAEs were successful in controlling hemoptysis immediately in all 25 patients (100%) and in 24 patients (96%) at 1 month follow-ups. One patient had recurrent hemoptysis on the tenth day after embolization. The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 63 months (mean 14 months). Six patients (25%) died all as a result of their disease process. Bleeding recurred in 3 patients after 30 days (7th, 11th, 12th months). One patient had vomitting attacks with dysphagia after the procedure that lasted 24h. Three patients had transient thoracic pain lasting 3-5 days. There were no procedure related spinal or vascular complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Glue embolization with microcatheter technique is a safe and effective treatment in cases of life-threatening hemoptysis with a very high rate of success and low rate of complications.
Baltacioğlu
Feyyaz
F
Marmara University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Istanbul, Turkey. fbaltaci@yahoo.com
Cimşit
Nuri Cagatay
NC
Bostanci
Korkut
K
Yüksel
Mustafa
M
Kodalli
Nihat
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001981:Bronchial Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D004659:Enbucrilate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D014014:Tissue Adhesives; D004659:Enbucrilate