Evaluation of The Relationship Between the Selected Particle Size and Procedure Success and Complications in Bronchial Artery Embolisation

Abstract

Objective: Hemoptysis refers to the discharge of blood, which originates from the lungs or bronchial system through the mouth. This study aimed to examine the importance of the particle size used in patients undergoing bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) regarding procedure success and complications.
 Materials and Methods: Data from patients who underwent BAE using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles were collected retrospectively. Hemoptysis etiology and localisation, lesion type, the size of the embolising agent used, and postoperative complications were recorded. Thirty-day follow-up results were evaluated.
 Results: Fifty-six patients were included in the study. The size of the PVA particles used was 300-500 microns in 30 patients (53.6%) and 500-700 microns in 26 patients (46.4%). Bleeding completely stopped in 92.9% of the cases within 30 days after the procedure. Procedure success or complications did not significantly differ between the patient groups in which 300-500 micron and 500-700 micron particles were used during BAE.
 Conclusion: BAE is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method that can be performed repeatedly to treat hemoptysis. This study showed that regardless of size, PVA particles were effective and safe agents that could be used during this procedure.