Bronchial Artery Embolization for Hemoptysis Management
Summary
Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a cornerstone intervention in the management of significant haemoptysis, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. By selectively occluding pathologically dilated bronchial vessels and, where relevant, non‐bronchial systemic feeders, BAE achieves prompt haemostasis while preserving pulmonary function. Advances in imaging guidance, microcatheter technology and embolic materials have refined procedural safety and efficacy. Clinicians now tailor embolic agents—from calibrated particles to coils—according to bleeding source anatomy and patient comorbidity. Globally, the technique has demonstrated utility across a spectrum of underlying disorders, including bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, malignancy and vascular malformations. Although immediate success rates exceed 90 per cent, long‐term haemoptysis recurrence remains an ongoing challenge, prompting investigation into vessel recanalisation, collateral formation and patient‐specific risk factors. Integrating multidisciplinary care, from radiology to respiratory and critical care, underpins optimal outcomes and minimises procedure‐related complications such as non‐target embolisation and spinal ischaemia.
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Bronchial Artery Embolization for Hemoptysis Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Haemoptysis: expectoration of blood originating from the tracheobronchial tree or pulmonary parenchyma.
Bronchial artery embolization (BAE): the endovascular procedure in which embolic materials are delivered to bronchial arteries to arrest bleeding.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles: calibrated polymer microspheres commonly used as embolic agents in BAE to occlude pathological vessels.
Systemic artery–pulmonary shunt: an unintended vascular connection between systemic arteries and the pulmonary circulation that may influence embolisation efficacy and recurrence risk.
References
- Does the presence of systemic artery–pulmonary circulation shunt during bronchial arterial embolization increase the recurrence of noncancer-related hemoptysis? A retrospective cohort study. Respiratory Research (2023).
- Bronchial artery embolization using small particles is safe and effective: a single center 12-year experience. European Radiology (2024).
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