Selective arterial embolization for control of traumatic pelvic hemorrhage

Operative techniques for control of massive extraperitoneal bleeding after pelvic trauma have been disappointing. Extensive blood supply by ample collaterals alledgedly is responsible for the failure of proximal ligation of hypogastric arteries. Angiography has proved to be a valuable technique in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic vascular injuries. Three patients are reported in which the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of angiography with subsequent embolization enabled the surgeon to avoid a difficult and possibly frustrating exploration. In addition, it provided an accurate indication for surgical intervention in one patient.