Bronchial Artery Embolization for Hemoptysis

Respiratory System

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat hemoptysis, or coughing up blood from the lungs. Hemoptysis can be caused by a variety of factors, including lung tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer, and bronchiectasis.

When patient is having moderate (50-200ml in 24 hours) to severe (>200ml in 24hours) hemoptysis, he/she is advised BAE.

During BAE, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the groin and threaded up to the bronchial arteries that supply blood to the lungs. A contrast dye is then injected to visualize the arteries which are abnormal and bleeding. Once the source of the bleeding is identified, embolic agents (pva particles) are injected into the artery to block blood flow and stop the bleeding.

BAE has been shown to be an effective treatment for hemoptysis, with success rates more than 95%. The procedure is generally well-tolerated.

BAE is considered a safe and effective treatment for hemoptysis, and it may be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids, depending on the underlying cause of the bleeding. Your Interventional Radiologist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case of hemoptysis.

Pulmonary arterio-venous shunt embolization

Pulmonary arterio-venous shunts or malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal connections between the arteries and veins in the lungs. These connections can cause significant health problems such as hemoptysis, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and stroke-like symptoms. PAVMs embolization is a medical procedure that is performed to treat these abnormal shunts.

The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, and patients may be given sedatives to help them relax. During the procedure, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin and guided up to the lungs in the artery (vessel) supplying the shunt. Once in place, vascular plug or coils are placed through the catheter to block off the abnormal blood vessels and redirect blood flow through healthy lung tissue.

Embolization is considered a safe and effective treatment for PAVMs. The procedure is generally well-tolerated. In case you are suffering from this condition, consult an Interventional Radiologist to determine best course of treatment.

MAPCAS (Major Aorto-Pulmonary collateral arteries) embolization

MAPCAS (Major Aorto-Pulmonary collateral arteries) embolization is a medical procedure used to treat certain types of congenital heart defects.

In patients with certain types of congenital heart defects, such as Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia or absent pulmonary valve syndrome, the major blood vessels that normally carry blood to the lungs (pulmonary arteries) may be underdeveloped or absent. Hence, pulmonary artery receive blood from aorta through MAPCAS. As a result, blood flow to the lungs may be severely limited, leading to low oxygen levels in the body.

In these cases, MAPCAS embolization may be recommended. During this procedure, small devices called embolization coils or vascular plug are inserted into the abnormal blood vessels (the MAPCAs) to block blood flow to them. This redirects blood flow to the normal pulmonary arteries and improves oxygenation in the body.

MAPCAS embolization is typically performed by an Interventional Radiologist using a catheter-based approach, which involves threading a catheter through a blood vessel to reach the site of the abnormal blood vessels. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires careful monitoring before and after the procedure to ensure safety and efficacy.

Pulmonary embolism in situ thrombolysis & thrombectomy

Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis travels to the lungs and blocks pulmonary blood flow. In situ thrombolysis and thrombectomy are two treatment options for pulmonary embolism.

In situ thrombolysis involves the use of medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), to dissolve the blood clot directly in the lungs. The medications are typically administered through a catheter that is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the site of the clot in the lung. The medications are then delivered directly to the clot to break it up and restore blood flow.

Thrombectomy is a procedure that involves removing the blood clot from the lungs using a catheter. The catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the site of the clot in the lung. A special tool is then used to break up and remove the clot, restoring blood flow.

Both in situ thrombolysis and thrombectomy are effective treatment options for pulmonary embolism, and many times used in combination. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health. The procedures are typically performed by Interventional Radiologists in a hospital setting under sedation or general anaesthesia.

Ablation (Radiofrequency/Microwave) of Lung tumors

Ablation of lung tumors is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses heat energy (either radiofrequency or microwave) to destroy cancerous cells in the lungs. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted through the skin and into the tumor, using imaging guidance (such as CT or ultrasound) to ensure precise placement. Once the needle is in place, heat energy is delivered to the tumor, causing it to be destroyed. The procedure is commonly used to treat small lung tumors that cannot be surgically removed, or for patients who are not candidates for surgery due to other health conditions. Ablation is a safe and effective treatment option that typically involves a shorter recovery time and fewer complications than traditional surgery.

Broncho-Pleural fistua embolization

Broncho-pleural fistula embolization is a medical procedure used to treat a condition where there is an abnormal connection (fistula) between the airways in the lungs (bronchi) and the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space). This can occur as a complication of lung surgery, trauma, infection, or other lung diseases. During the procedure, a catheter is guided through the bronchi to the site of the fistula. A special material, such as coils or glue, is then injected into the fistula to block it off and prevent air or fluid from leaking into the pleural space. This helps to reduce symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and fever, and allows the lung to heal. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, and patients can expect a relatively quick recovery time.