Life-saving, minimally invasive embolization for massive hemoptysis, pulmonary AVM, and emergency bleeding across the body.
Massive hemoptysis โ coughing up large amounts of blood โ is a life-threatening condition. In India, it is most commonly caused by long-standing lung tuberculosis, and can also result from fungal lung infections or, rarely, lung tumors.
Pulmonary AVMs are rare vascular malformations in the lungs, with abnormal connections between arteries and veins. They can cause hemoptysis and even brain infections, and when symptomatic, are treated with endovascular coil embolization.
Bronchial artery embolization can be life-saving in 80-90% of patients with massive hemoptysis. However, its effect is palliative for symptom relief โ the primary disease (lung infection, cavity) still needs to be treated by surgery or medication.
Small catheters inserted through the groin via a small pinhole incision.
Embolizing agent injected directly into the bleeding vessel, sparing normal circulation.
Followed by walking and normal routine activities.
Safe and fast, even in unstable, critically ill patients.
| Condition | Site | Type of Embolization |
|---|---|---|
| Massive hemoptysis | Lungs | Bronchial artery embolization |
| Postpartum haemorrhage | Uterus | Uterine artery embolization |
| Epistaxis (nosebleed) | Nose & nasopharynx | Internal maxillary embolization |
| Hematemesis | Upper GI tract | Selective arterial embolization; TIPSS/BRTO for variceal bleeds |
| Per rectal bleeding | GI tract | Selective arterial embolization |
| Hematuria | Kidney | Selective renal artery embolization |
| Carotid blow-out | Oral cavity / oropharynx | External carotid branch embolization |
A 52-year-old man with a history of oral cavity cancer, previously treated with radiotherapy and hemimandibulectomy with flap repair, presented to the ER with massive oral cavity bleeding due to a carotid blow-out.
Massive hemoptysis is coughing up a large amount of blood, and it is a life-threatening emergency. In India it is commonly caused by long-standing lung tuberculosis, and requires urgent CT angiography and often bronchial artery embolization.
Bronchial artery embolization is an emergency procedure that stops bleeding in the lungs by blocking the bleeding artery from inside. Catheters are passed through a pinhole in the groin up to the bleeding vessel, and an embolic agent is injected to seal it. There is no open surgery.
It can be life-saving in 80 to 90% of patients with massive hemoptysis. It provides palliative symptom relief; the underlying lung disease still needs separate treatment by surgery or medication.
A pulmonary AVM is a rare abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the lung. It can cause hemoptysis or brain infections, and when symptomatic, is treated with endovascular coil embolization.
Many, including postpartum haemorrhage, severe nosebleeds (epistaxis), upper and lower GI bleeding, hematuria (blood in urine), and even carotid blow-out. Each is treated by embolizing the specific bleeding vessel involved.
In many cases, yes. Uterine artery embolization can stop life-threatening postpartum bleeding by selectively closing the bleeding uterine arteries through a catheter, without open surgery.
Small catheters are inserted through a pinhole in the groin and guided to the bleeding vessel, where an embolizing agent is injected to close it off, avoiding damage to normal circulation. No general anaesthesia is needed, and it can be done quickly even in unstable patients.
Patients typically need 6 hours of bed rest after the procedure, after which they can walk and resume routine activities.
Embolization achieves the same goal as surgery, closing the bleeding vessel, but without an open operation. It is relatively safe, does not require general anaesthesia, and can be performed quickly, which matters greatly in an unstable patient.
At Neuro & Vascular, bronchial artery embolization and emergency bleeding interventions are performed by Dr. Suresh Giragani, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, with over 18 years of experience.
Call immediately โ minimally invasive embolization can be life-saving. Don't wait.