Microcatheter Embolization of Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: An Old Idea Whose Time Has Come

Journal Article · Mon Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2004 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S00270-004-0243-X· OSTI ID:21088190

Funaki, Brian ^[1]

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1. University of Chicago Hospitals, Section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Section of Abdominal Imaging (United States)

Early attempts of using embolization for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage were fraught with complications, most notably ischemic colitis or bowel infarction. Embolotherapy was eventually abandoned in favor of catheter-directed vasoconstriction (i.e., vasopressin infusion). This latter therapy is time and labor intensive. With the advent of microcatheter technology, superselective embolization emerged and is rapidly becoming the endovascular therapy of choice for patients with severe lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage refractory to medical management. Numerous studies on the subject have consistently reported high clinical success with low ischemic complications. This article will review the current status of co-axial microcatheter embolization with an emphasis on the technical aspects of the procedure.

• OSTI ID: 21088190
• Journal Information: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Journal Name: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 27; ISSN 0174-1551; ISSN CAIRDG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
HEMORRHAGE
INFUSION
PATIENTS
REVIEWS
THERAPY
VASOCONSTRICTION
VASOPRESSIN