Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Transradial Access Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Published on: September 20, 2020
The effect of transcatheter arterial embolisation for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Stevo Duvnjak1, Poul Erik Andersen
1Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark. stevo.duvnjak@ouh.regionsyddanmark
Insights
Transcatheter arterial embolisation is effective for upper gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic therapy fails. However, this minimally invasive treatment has high rates of early rebleeding and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Endoscopic therapy is the first-line treatment but may fail in some cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) using coils for nonvariceal upper GI bleeding.
- To assess outcomes following TAE in patients with refractory GI hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 40 patients who underwent TAE for upper GI bleeding between 2007 and 2009.
- Evaluation of angiographic success, clinical hemostasis, rebleeding rates, complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Primary technical success was 100%.
- Clinical hemostasis was achieved in 82% of patients without further intervention.
- Early rebleeding occurred in 18%, with 3 cases successfully managed by repeat embolisation.
- The 30-day mortality rate was 18% (10% bleeding-related, 8% non-bleeding-related).
Conclusions:
- Transcatheter arterial embolisation is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for managing upper GI bleeding refractory to endoscopic therapy.
- TAE is associated with significant rates of early rebleeding and considerable mortality, necessitating careful patient selection and management.
Introduction:
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolisation with coils for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding after failed endoscopic therapy.
Material And Methods:
Between 2007 and 2009, transcatheter arterial embolisation was performed in 40 patients. We evaluated the angiographic and clinical success rate, recurrent bleeding rate, procedure-related complications and clinical outcomes.
Results:
Primary technical success was achieved in all patients. In 82% of the patients, haemostasis was achieved with clinical improvement and without need for further therapy. There were no ischaemic GI complications. Recurrent bleeding occurred in seven patients (18%) within the first week after treatment, and in three cases these were managed successfully with a second embolisation. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 18%, and mortality related to bleeding was 10%. The mean follow-up period was 13 months (range 1-31 months). Non-bleeding-related mortality was 15% in the follow-up period. There were no hospital readmissions due to upper GI bleeding.
Conclusion:
Transcatheter arterial embolisation for upper GI bleeding is a safe and effective minimally invasive method, but it entails relatively high rates of early rebleeding as well as relatively high mortality rates both related to GI bleeding and to non-GI bleeding causes.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care