BRONCHIAL ARTERY EMBOLIZATIONS - FAILURES AND COMPLICATIONS

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is well accepted and widely used f or management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis. Recurrent hemoptysi s occurs in 20% of cases. It may be due to partial embolization, recru itment of other systemic collaterals recanalization of an embolized ar tery or progression of primary disease. Severe complications of BAE ar e limited to spinal cord injury, oesophageal necrosis, and bronchial i schemia. The proper application of bronchial arteriography and emboliz ation techniques depends on a thorough knowledge of the arterial anato my, a meticulous catheterization technique, the use of nonionic or low osmolarity contrast materials, and adequate positioning of the cathete r. In these optimal conditions of safety, BAE is the treatment of choi ce for severe and recurrent hemoptysis.