In life-threatening hemoptysis, bleeding originates in most cases from bronchial arteries or from nonbronchial systemic collateral vessels. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE), first introduced two decades ago by Remy and associates, was thus a logical therapeutic approach. Embolization was rapidly established and popularized as an effective means to achieve immediate control of active hemoptysis. Remote in time from the procedure, a high rate of recurrent hemoptysis due to revascularization is expect-ed, but few data concerning long-term results are available. Even if they are infrequent, the potential complications of BAE cannot be neglected since they may be severe. In particular, the potential risk of spinal cord injury must be considered. canadian good neighbor pharmacy
The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the experience of BAE in our center with particular emphasis on immediate and long-term results and on morbidity.
Materials and Methods
Patients
From December 1985 to May 1997, 56 patients underwent bronchial arteriography for Life-threatening hemoptysis in our center.