Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the branches of the subclavian and axillary arteries for hemorrhage control.
Methods: Between January 2015 and June 2022, 35 TAE procedures were performed for hemorrhage from the branches of the subclavian and axillary arteries in 34 patients (22 men, 12 women; 1 male underwent TAE twice; mean age = 76 years). Pre-TAE CT showed hematomas in the chest (n = 25) and abdominal walls (n = 3), shoulder (n = 2), and lower neck (n = 2). CT showed hemothorax in eight cases. Angiographic findings, embolization technique, and technical and clinical success of TAE were retrospectively assessed in all cases.
Results: TAE was performed by transfemoral (n = 16), transradial (n = 12), and transbrachial (n = 7) approaches. Angiography revealed contrast media extravasation or pseudoaneurysms in 32 cases (91.4%). The most commonly embolized arteries were the internal thoracic (n = 12), lateral thoracic (n = 6), and thoracoacromial (n = 6) arteries. Technical and clinical success rates were 100 and 85.7%, respectively. A complication (skin necrosis after injection of the liquid embolic agent) developed in only one patient (2.9%) and was conservatively managed.
Conclusion: TAE is an effective and safe treatment for hemorrhage from the branches of the subclavian and axillary arteries.
Advances in knowledge: Transfemoral approach has been used for TAE of the branches of the subclavian and axillary artery. Transradial and transbrachial approaches can also be considered.