Complications of angioembolization in trauma: What you need to know

Hemorrhage accounts for significant preventable death among trauma patients. The advent of endovascular technology and development of more advanced imaging techniques have paved the way for catheter-based endovascular therapies to diagnose and treat hemorrhage. Angioembolization is now a cornerstone in the minimally invasive treatment of vascular trauma. Though it is highly effective and frequently obviates the need for major open surgery, its complications can be significant and warrant consideration in the management decisions for these patients. Complications range from mild self-limiting conditions to failure of endovascular therapy with need for open surgery.