Rapid, targeted intervention to control traumatic bleeding

Angiography and Embolization

Angiography and embolization are minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat bleeding caused by trauma. Using real-time imaging guidance, an interventional radiologist identifies the source of bleeding and selectively blocks the affected blood vessels to control hemorrhage and prevent further complications. This technique offers a targeted approach to managing trauma, reducing the need for open surgery.

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About Angiography and Embolization

Angiography is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and a special dye, or contrast material, to visualize blood vessels and identify areas of abnormal bleeding. This procedure is often performed in cases of trauma, where rapid diagnosis and intervention are crucial. During angiography, a small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided through the blood vessels to the site of bleeding using real-time imaging. Once the source of bleeding is identified, embolization is performed to block the blood flow.

Embolization involves injecting tiny particles, coils, or other materials through the catheter to block the bleeding vessel. By selectively occluding the blood vessels responsible for the hemorrhage, embolization effectively controls bleeding, reduces the risk of further damage, and stabilizes the patient’s condition. This procedure is particularly useful for treating injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or pelvis, where surgical access may be challenging or risky.

Both angiography and embolization are performed by an interventional radiologist, a specialist trained in minimally invasive image-guided procedures. These techniques can be lifesaving in emergency trauma situations and are typically performed in a hospital’s angiography suite or interventional radiology department.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Angiography and Embolization

Angiography and embolization offer several key benefits, including:

Minimally Invasive: Requires only a small incision, reducing recovery time, risk of infection, and overall complications compared to open surgery.
Rapid Bleeding Control: Provides immediate identification and management of bleeding sources, crucial in trauma situations.
Targeted Treatment: Focuses directly on the bleeding vessel, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Preserves Organ Function: Particularly effective for managing trauma to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, where preserving organ function is vital.

Risks

While angiography and embolization are generally safe, there are some risks, including:

Allergic reaction to contrast dye
Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
Damage to blood vessels or surrounding tissues
Infection
Non-target embolization (unintended blockage of other vessels)

Your healthcare team will discuss these risks with you and take steps to minimize complications during and after the procedure.

Contact Us About Angiography and Embolization

If you or a loved one have experienced trauma and require bleeding control, angiography and embolization may be the ideal treatment option. Our interventional radiology team in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers is here to provide expert care. Contact us today to learn more about this lifesaving procedure.

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