Trauma Embolization

Trauma embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to control bleeding and treat injuries caused by trauma (such as from car accidents, falls, or other severe injuries) that lead to significant blood loss. In cases where the bleeding is from an artery or other major blood vessel, traditional surgical methods may not always be effective or safe. Interventional radiologists use image-guided techniques such as angiography to locate the source of the bleeding and embolize (block) the damaged blood vessel, thereby stopping the hemorrhage.

Minimally Invasive: Trauma embolization involves small incisions or no incisions, reducing the trauma to the body, decreasing infection risk, and promoting faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Life-saving: In cases of severe internal bleeding, embolization can quickly stop the bleeding, saving lives and stabilizing the patient when other methods fail.

Targeted Treatment: The procedure targets only the damaged blood vessel, preserving surrounding tissues, which is essential for protecting vital organs.

Less Risk: Embolization carries a lower risk of complications such as infection, blood loss, and scarring when compared to open surgery.

Preserves Organ Function: By targeting the source of the bleeding, embolization preserves the function of organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys, which could be compromised in surgery.

  • Minimally Invasive: Involves small incisions or no incisions, reducing pain, recovery time, and the risk of complications associated with open surgery.
  • Quick Bleeding Control: The fastest way to control active bleeding in trauma situations, where timely intervention is critical.
  • Preservation of Organs and Limbs: By targeting only the bleeding vessel, trauma embolization ensures vital organs and limbs can be preserved.
  • Reduced Risk of Infection: Since the procedure avoids open surgery, the risk of infection and other complications is lower.
  • Less Blood Loss: Embolization effectively stops bleeding, reducing blood loss and decreasing the need for blood transfusions.
  • Faster Recovery Time: The minimally invasive nature of the procedure results in quicker recovery compared to open surgery.

Pre-Procedure:

The patient is evaluated and stabilized in the emergency room. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, angiograms, or ultrasounds, may be performed to identify the bleeding source.

Catheter Insertion:

A small incision is made in the groin or wrist to access the femoral or radial artery. A catheter is then threaded through the artery to the bleeding site, guided by fluoroscopy for precise positioning.

Embolization:

Once the bleeding source is located, the interventional radiologist introduces an embolizing agent (coils, particles, gel foam, or glue) through the catheter to block the bleeding vessel and form a clot.

  • Coils: Metal coils that induce clotting in the artery.
  • Gelatin Sponge: Absorbable material that helps seal the bleeding site.
  • Embolic Particles: Tiny particles that obstruct blood flow.
  • Liquid Embolic Agents: Substances like glue that seal the blood vessels.
Post-Procedure:

After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and the entry site is sealed. The patient is monitored in the ICU or recovery area, and follow-up imaging confirms the success of the embolization.

  • Trauma Patients with Internal Bleeding: Particularly those with pelvic fractures, abdominal trauma, or injuries affecting major blood vessels.
  • Patients with Bleeding from Organ Injuries: Trauma embolization treats bleeding from organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines, avoiding surgical removal.
  • Patients with Bleeding from Extremities: Effective for bleeding from limbs or fractures causing massive blood loss.
  • High-Risk Patients: Those at high surgical risk due to age, comorbidities, or severe trauma can benefit from embolization, as it is less invasive than traditional surgery.