Transcatheter arterial embolization for traumatic mesenteric bleeding: a 15-year, single-center experience

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Trauma Surgery
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Mesenteric bleeding following trauma presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Prompt and effective intervention is crucial for patient survival and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for managing mesenteric bleeding in trauma patients.
• To assess technical success, clinical outcomes, and complications associated with TAE in this population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 10 trauma patients who underwent super-selective TAE for mesenteric bleeding between 2001 and 2015.
• Analysis included types of trauma, bleeding artery locations, embolic agents used, technical and clinical success rates, and 30-day mortality.

Main Results:

• TAE achieved technical success in all 10 patients, with immediate bleeding cessation.
• A 90% clinical success rate was observed, with no TAE-related ischemic complications and a 0% 30-day mortality.
• One patient experienced rebleeding but was successfully treated with repeat TAE.

Conclusions:

• Transcatheter arterial embolization is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for controlling mesenteric bleeding post-trauma.
• TAE offers a viable alternative to surgical intervention for selected trauma patients with mesenteric hemorrhage.