Popular articles

What is embolization of the spleen?

What is embolization of the spleen?

Splenic (artery) embolization is an endovascular technique for treatment of splenic and splenic artery pathology as an alternative to splenic artery ligation or splenectomy. It often results in successfully treating the underlying pathology, while maintaining at least partial splenic function.

Does spleen work after embolization?

Traditionally, enlarged spleens were treated through surgical removal of all or part of the spleen. However, splenic artery embolization preserves the spleen while limiting the blood supply to the enlarged spleen so that it can shrink back to its normal size.

What is partial splenic embolization?

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) is a non-surgical procedure developed to treat hypersplenism as a result of hepatic disease and thus avoid the disadvantages of splenectomy. A femoral artery approach is used for selective catheterization of the splenic artery.

How long does embolization procedure take?

Depending on how many blood vessels need treatment, the whole process takes from 30 minutes to a few hours. You can expect to remain in bed for six to eight hours after the procedure to let your body rest and recover.

How long does post-embolization syndrome last?

Post-embolization syndrome — characterized by low-grade fever, pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting — is frequent after uterine artery embolization. Post-embolization syndrome symptoms peak about 48 hours after the procedure and usually resolve on their own within a week.

Does a splenic infarct go away?

Splenic infarction occurs when the splenic artery or one of its branches are occluded, for example by a blood clot. In one series of 59 patients, mortality amounted to 5%….

Splenic infarction
Splenic infarct seen on CT
Specialty General surgery

What kind of angiography is done for spleen embolization?

Celiac angiography is performed to evaluate not only the splenic artery anatomy but also sources of collaterals to the spleen, including the left gastric artery, gastroepiploic arteries, and pancreatic artery branches. Proximal splenic artery embolization, distal splenic artery embolization, or both can be performed.

When did the use of splenic artery embolization begin?

Splenic artery embolization has been used as an adjunct to nonsurgical treatment of blunt splenic injuries. It was first described in 1981 by Sclafani [ 3] and became more widely used in the late 1990s.

How does a selective splenic artery angiogram work?

A selective splenic artery angiogram demonstrated splenic laceration with multiple parenchymal blushes indicative of parenchymal bleeds (arrows) (B). Despite a tortuous splenic artery, a 5-F sheath could be advanced to the mid splenic artery, and a vascular plug (arrow) was deployed for proximal splenic artery embolization (C).

Are there any complications with splenic artery embolization?

Since splenic artery embolization is non-invasive and only requires a very small incision, it has fewer complications than surgery, including: As with any medical procedure, complications are possible. Although rare, small risks may include bruising and infection at the incision site.