Embolization Techniques in Trauma of the Chest

Abstract

This article describes transcatheter embolization as an alternative to surgical ligation in controlling hemorrhage from noncritical arteries of the chest wall after blunt or penetrating trauma. Embolotherapy is also discussed as the treatment of choice for pulmonary artery injury from Swan-Ganz catheter manipulation resulting in pseudoaneurysm formation. Embolic agents and technique are briefly reviewed.