[Chest disease and embolization]

Bronchial artery embolization has become an established technique in the management of massive or recurrent hemoptysis, especially in treating patients who are poor candidates for lung surgical intervention. Nonbronchial systemic collateral arteries and pulmonary arteries may contribute significantly to pulmonary hemorrhage. In recent literature, the former embolization is widely accepted, but embolization of the latter has not been stressed, excluding the patients of AV malformation or pulmonary aneurysm. The recognitions of the precice bronchial artery anatomy and numerous collateral vessels are essential for successful embolotherapy. The much more attention should be given to the character of embolizing material. The clinical background, methods, and results of this procedure are discussed, as are the potential complications and their prevention.