Bronchial Artery Embolization with Large Sized (700-900µm) Tris-acryl Microspheres (Embosphere) for Massive Hemoptysis: Long-Term Results (Clinical Research).

Abstract

To investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term results of bronchial artery embolization with microsphere particles (Embosphere® Microspheres, BioSphere Medical, Rockland, MA) 700-900µm in size for massive hemoptysis. One hundred and seventy-four patients (94 female, 80 male; mean age 39.4±5.7) who had bronchial artery embolization for massive hemoptysis between January 2010 and October 2015 were incorporated in the study. Patients had hemoptysis with a mean volume of 525±150mL (median 500mL, range 300-1200mL) over a 24-h period. Underlying pathologies included bronchial artery hypertrophy due to bronchiectasis (56.3% [98/174]), lung cancer (29.9% [52/174]), tuberculosis (10.3% [18/174]) and the rest remained idiopathic (3.4% [6/174]). Mean bronchial artery diameter before the intervention was 3.8±1.5mm (median 4mm, range 3.1-7.5mm). Median follow-up period was 56months (range 10-82months). Primary objectives were the technical and clinical success. Technical success was 100%. Clinical success for preventing massive hemoptysis was 91.9% (160/174). There was no procedure-related mortality or morbidities. Minor complications such as chest pain were observed in nine patients (5.0%). Recurrent hemoptysis (8.1%) was observed within 6months in 14 patients, ten of whom were treated with a second embolization session and the remaining four with a total of three embolization sessions. Bronchial artery embolization for massive hemoptysis with Embosphere particles 700-900µm in size is a safe and effective method with high technical and clinical success rates. Long-term results are excellent.