Bronchial Artery Embolization in Life- Threatening Hemoptysis: Outcome and Predictive Factors

Purpose: To determine the outcome and predictive factors of clinical success of bronchial artery embolization in life-threatening hemoptysis.

Material and Methods: We reviewed all bronchial artery embolization procedures performed for life-threatening hemoptysis between January 2008 and December 2018. The outcomes and predictive factors of clinical success following embolization were evaluated.

Results: One hundred and eighty-four bronchial artery embolization procedures performed in 145 patients were eligible for the study. The technical and clinical success rates of the procedures were 170/184 (92.4%) and 129/184 (70.1%), respectively. The unstable hemodynamics and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio >1.5 was associated with lower clinical success rate, while embolization of more than one vessel was associated with higher clinical success rate.

Conclusion: Bronchial artery embolization is a safe and effective procedure for controlling bleeding in life-threatening hemoptysis. However, low clinical success  rate was noted in patients with unstable hemodynamics and coagulopathy, while multiple vessel embolization was associated with higher clinical success.