Arterial ligation in epistaxis

Unremitting severe nose bleeds may require arterial ligation. One or more of the four vascular systems supplying the nose may need such surgical interference. Dye injection of 14 cadavers was performed to demonstrate the vascular supply of the nose and the effects of various arterial ligations. Depending upon the site of haemorrhage within the nose, up to three vascular systems may need occlusion. These are the ipsilateral and contralateral external carotid arterial systems and the ipsilateral ethmoidal arteries.