Vertebral artery trauma: transcatheter embolization

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Vertebral artery injuries present significant surgical challenges.
• Surgical ligation is often difficult due to anatomical location.
• Vertebral arteries have extensive collateral circulation, making them potentially expendable.

Observation:

• Four patients with vertebral artery injuries were treated with transcatheter embolization.
• In three patients, embolization followed incomplete or unsuccessful surgical attempts.
• In one patient, embolization was used preventively instead of surgery.

Findings:

• All four embolization procedures were technically successful.
• No complications were reported in any of the patients.
• Embolotherapy proved easier, faster, and safer than surgical ligation.

Implications:

• Transcatheter embolization is a highly effective treatment for vertebral artery trauma.
• This interventional technique should be considered the preferred management strategy.
• Embolotherapy provides a less invasive and superior alternative to surgical intervention.