[Failures and complications of bronchial artery embolization]

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is well accepted and widely used for management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis. Recurrent hemoptysis occurs in 20% of cases. It may be due to partial embolization, recruitment of other systemic collaterals, recanalization of an embolized artery, or progression of primary disease. Severe complications of BAE are limited to spinal cord injury, oesophageal necrosis, and bronchial ischemia. The proper application of bronchial arteriography and embolization techniques depends on a thorough knowledge of the arterial anatomy, a meticulous catheterization technique, the use of nonionic or lowosmolarity contrast materials, and adequate positioning of the catheter. In these optical conditions of safety, BAE is the treatment of choice for severe and recurrent hemoptysis.