Emergent Endovascular Treatment of Penetrating Trauma: Solid Organ and Extremity

Penetrating injuries can result in acute or subacute arterial injuries of the solid organs or extremities. Although most penetrating injuries are managed conservatively, some patients require endovascular or surgical treatment. Often, the best method for management is controversial and the level of urgency for clinical decision-making is high. Once the decision has been made to intervene, the operator must also determine the best embolization material and technique to use. Not unfrequently, these decisions are made during the course of the procedure. There are numerous embolization agents, each of which serves a very specific purpose, depending on the clinical scenario. Within this article, we will review endovascular treatment indications, contraindications, and endovascular techniques for the treatment of penetrating trauma of the solid organs or extremities.