Transcatheter arterial embolization in the trauma patient: a review

Blunt and penetrating traumatic injuries may result in acute or subacute vascular injuries. These injuries to solid organs and extremity vessels are often managed in a conservative fashion. Acuity and hemodynamic compromise may dictate a surgical course; however, interventional techniques first popularized in the early 1970s now offer a wide range of solutions principally using transcatheter arterial embolization. There are a wide range of materials and clinical scenarios for which embolization is appropriate. Embolic agents such as coils, Gelfoam, and particles may be used individually or in combination to stop or control bleeding. In this way, embolotherapy may prove to be the safest and most effective form of therapy. The purpose of this article is to review the indications for embolization in the trauma patient and to provide guidelines regarding techniques and material selection.