Proximal Splenic Artery Embolization In Blunt Splenic Trauma

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Proximal splenic artery embolization (PSAE) is a recent technique for traumatic splenic injury.
• The mechanism involves reducing splenic artery pressure via collateral circulation, avoiding ischemia.
• Potential complications include bleeding, splenic infarcts, abscesses, or pseudoaneurysms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of PSAE in controlling hemorrhage from splenic injuries.
• To assess the rate of pseudoaneurysm formation after PSAE.
• To determine the overall outcome of splenic preservation following PSAE.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study over 33 months.
• 11 patients with blunt abdominal trauma and active splenic bleeding treated with PSAE.
• Clinical and Doppler sonography used for follow-up assessments.

Main Results:

• No patients required surgery or repeat embolization.
• 82% of patients showed preserved splenic blood flow on Doppler.
• No pseudoaneurysms were detected; one perisplenic collection resolved with drainage.

Conclusions:

• PSAE is highly effective for severe splenic injuries, achieving hemostasis.
• The procedure successfully preserves splenic architecture and function.
• Minimal complications were observed, with good clinical and sonographic outcomes.