[Interventional radiology in the head and neck region]

Area of Science:

• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Endovascular embolization is a critical therapeutic modality in interventional neuroradiology.
• It addresses various head and neck pathologies with curative, risk-reduction, or palliative goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the indications and essential knowledge for successful endovascular embolization in head and neck diseases.
• To emphasize the importance of pre-interventional evaluation in minimizing complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of endovascular embolization techniques and applications in head and neck diseases.
• Analysis of indications including unmanageable bleeding, preoperative risk reduction, and palliative tumor treatment.
• Assessment of complication rates based on pre-interventional evaluation and anatomical considerations.

Main Results:

• Successful embolization requires understanding disease pathology, vascular anatomy, and collateral pathways.
• Key indications include intractable hemorrhage, hypervascular tumors, and palliative tumor necrosis.
• Major complications are often linked to inadequate pre-interventional assessment.

Conclusions:

• Endovascular embolization is a versatile tool for head and neck conditions.
• Thorough pre-procedural evaluation is paramount for optimizing outcomes and patient safety.
• Interventions in the external carotid artery territory demonstrate a low complication rate (<1%).