[Bronchial and non-bronchial systemic artery embolization for hemoptysis due to non-neoplastic lung diseases....

Forty-four patients with massive or repeated hemoptysis due to nonneoplastic lung diseases were treated by embolization of the bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries with Ivalon particles or a mixture of Ivalon and gelatin sponge particles during the past five and a half years. Immediate control of hemoptysis was achieved in 43 patients (98%), and no spinal cord ischemia was observed. Among 30 patients followed for more than 12 months, successful control of hemoptysis was obtained in 22 (73%). Hemoptysis recurred in eight patients (27%); four underwent repeated embolotherapy alone, two underwent surgery alone, and two underwent repeated embolization and surgery. Successful control of hemoptysis was achieved after repeated embolization and/or surgery in all eight patients. It is concluded that embolization of bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries is an effective initial treatment for hemoptysis, and good long-term results can be obtained in combination with surgery.