Usefulness of Transcatheter Embolization in Patients with Intercostal Arterial Injury

In 3 patients with traumatic or iatrogenic hemothorax, we conducted transcatheter embolization of the intercostal artery after thoracic drainage. The procedure was completed within 1 hour, and hemostasis was successfully achieved. Few studies have reported intercostal arterial embolization by transcatheter. This procedure is less invasive and requires less time than thoracotomy and thoracoscopic surgery. Even if the volume of hemorrhage is less than the operative indication, this procedure should be conducted aggressively. Complications include spinal infarction related to inflow of embolic materials to the anterior spinal artery and dermal necrosis in the intercostal arterial dominant area. However, these complications can be prevented by carefully confirming the site under direct vision during infusion and carefully selecting embolic materials. Transcatheter arterial embolization may thus be effective for facilitating rapid, safe hemostasis in patients with intercostal arterial injury.