Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Acute Arterial Bleeding in the Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract with N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate

PurposeTo assess the clinical utility and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for urgent control of acute arterial bleeding in the upper and lower gastrointestinaltract.Materials and MethodsTherapeutic NBCA embolization was performed in 37 patients (39 cases; mean age, 67.8 years) with acute upper (n = 16) or lower (n = 23) gastrointestinal tract bleeding after endoscopic management had failed. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed using 1:1 to 1:5 mixtures of NBCA and iodized oil. The most common etiologies of bleeding were colonic diverticulosis (n = 13), malignancy (n = 11), and benign ulcer (n = 7). Coagulopathy was present in 11 patients, and 23 patients were hemodynamically unstable before NBCA embolization. Histologic examination for bowel ischemia was also performed in five patients who underwent excision of the lesion after NBCA embolization.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100%. Recurrent bleeding occurred in two patients. Complete hemostasis was achieved in all 11 patients with coagulopathy. Ulcers induced by transcatheter arterial embolization were noted in 6 of 20 patients who underwent endoscopic examination; the ulcers were successfully treated with conservative measures. Histologic examination revealed that despite inflammatory reactions in and around the vessels, no intestinal necrosis secondary to NBCA embolization was found. Hepatic abscess occurred in two cases, and ischemia of the lower limb occurred in one case; these complications were managed by percutaneous drainage and bypass surgery.ConclusionsTranscatheter arterial embolization with NBCA is a good treatment option with a high rate of complete hemostasis and a low recurrent bleeding rate, even in patients with coagulopathy.     

Transcatheter arterial embolization of ruptured pseudoaneurysms with coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for ruptured pseudoaneurysms, which are difficult to control by coil embolization alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ruptured pseudoaneurysms developed at the celiac trunk (n = 1), gastroduodenal artery (n = 2), pancreatic arcade (n = 1), hepatic artery (n = 3), renal artery (n = 1), and intercostal artery (n = 1) in nine patients. NBCA was mixed with iodized-oil (1:2) and injected via the 3-F microcatheter under fluoroscopic guidance, after the catheter was advanced close to the pseudoaneurysm. Coil embolization was performed to control blood flow before administration of NBCA in seven patients. NBCA was injected immediately after coil embolization in four patients. Embolization with NBCA was performed for recurrent bleeding that occurred within 1-21 days (mean, 10.7 days) after initial coil embolization in three patients. Two patients with peripheral pseudoaneurysms underwent embolization with NBCA alone. RESULTS: The NBCA mixture was visible under fluoroscopy, and was useful in monitoring the embolization process and deciding the endpoint. Embolization was technically successful without major complications in all patients. Pseudoaneurysms and afferent and efferent arteries were eliminated immediately after embolization. Bleeding was stopped after embolization in all cases. Rebleeding did not occur in any patient during their follow-up periods of 0.7-69.5 months (mean, 17.9 months). CONCLUSION: Embolization with NBCA is a feasible and useful treatment for ruptured pseudoaneurysms, which are difficult to control by coil embolization alone.     

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate for Acute Life-threatening Gastroduodenal Bleeding Uncontrolled by Endoscopic Hemostasis

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for gastroduodenal nonvariceal bleeding uncontrolled by endoscopic hemostasis.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2006 and December 2011, a total of 317 patients underwent emergent endoscopic therapy for nonvariceal gastroduodenal bleeding, but hemostasis was not achieved in 20 cases. Emergent surgery was performed immediately following endoscopy in two patients. Arteriography was performed in the remaining 18 patients, and embolization with NBCA was performed in 15 patients (mean age, 71.3 y) in whom the bleeding site was detected on arteriography. For embolization, NBCA was mixed with iodized oil at a ratio of 1:1.5–1:4, and no other embolic material was used in the procedure. Technical and clinical success rates, recurrent bleeding, procedural time, complications, and clinical outcomes were determined for each procedure.ResultsEmbolization with NBCA was technically and clinically successful in all procedures, without major complications. No patient receiving embolization with NBCA experienced recurrent bleeding or required further treatment after the one-session procedure. All patients were discharged after clinical improvement. The time between puncture of the femoral artery and completion of embolization ranged from 25 to 240 minutes (mean, 66 min), and the time between the microcatheter reaching the ultimate catheter location selected for embolization and hemostasis ranged from 142 to 550 seconds (mean, 322s).ConclusionsIn this limited series, embolization with NBCA was found to be a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for gastroduodenal arterial bleeding when endoscopic hemostasis had failed.     

N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Because they are not well established, we investigated the technical success and recurrence rates of n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (SDAVF), and assessed clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all patients with SDAVF treated by NBCA embolization at our institution over an 8-year period. Gait and micturition disabilities were analyzed. Follow-up periods averaged 3.1 years (range, 1 month to 8.9 years). RESULTS: NBCA embolization was feasible in 74% (20/27) of patients. Of 20 patients who underwent embolization, initial embolization failure occurred in two (10%) and fistula occurrence in three (15%). All five patients in whom NBCA embolization failed underwent surgery. All patients who underwent embolization had either improved (55%) or unchanged (45%) gait disability at last follow-up. Seventeen (85%) patients had improved (40%) or unchanged (45%) micturition disability, but three (15%) had worsened. Mean Aminoff gait disability grade significantly decreased at last follow-up (2.4 [1.4] average [SD] vs 3.2 [1.4] [P = .0008]). Mean micturition disability grade decreased, but not significantly (1.4 [1.0] vs 1.7 [1.1] [P = .28]). CONCLUSION: NBCA embolization of SDAVF was technically feasible in 75% of patients. Initial apparent successful embolization was achieved in 90%; the fistula recurrence rate (failure to occlude the draining vein) for NBCA was 15%. Comparing favorably to surgical series, NBCA embolization of SDAVF appears efficacious, significantly improving mean gait disability by almost one grade at last follow-up. Close clinical and angiographic surveillance is mandatory. Longer and more uniform follow-up is needed to determine if clinical improvement and stabilization after NBCA embolization are sustained.     

超选择性双重栓塞治疗胆道出血

目的：讨论胆道出血的数字减影血管造影表现,经导管超选择性双重栓塞治疗胆道出血的疗效。方法：采用Seldinger‘s技术,经股动脉置入导管,行选择性肠系膜上动脉、腹腔动脉、肝动脉数字减影血管造影,经导管超选择栓塞出血动脉出血点的远端和近端,栓塞后造影了解栓塞效果。结果：12例胆道出血选择性肝动脉血管造影的表现。8例表现为肝内假性动脉瘤,2例为肝癌并发动脉-门脉瘘,2例肝部分切除术后出现肝内片状造影剂溢出影,2例腹腔动脉造影阴性,而选择性肝动脉血管造影均显示病灶;10例经民管用明胶海绵加弹簧圈或微弹簧圈栓塞治疗1例。出血停止,随访无再出血,2例用明胶绵栓塞,其中1例栓塞治疗后3周,再次发生出血,用明胶海绵加弹簧圈栓塞出血停止。结论：选择性肝动脉血管造影是诊断胆道出血的关键,超选择性双重栓塞出血动脉的远端和近端是治疗胆道出血安全有效的止血方法,其治疗一次性止血率优于单纯明胶海绵栓塞。     

Patients with Life-Threatening Arterial Renal Hemorrhage: CT Angiography and Catheter Angiography with Subsequent Superselective Embolization

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical and clinical success of superselective embolization in patients with life-threatening arterial renal hemorrhage undergoing preinterventional CT angiography. Forty-three patients with clinical signs of life-threatening arterial renal hemorrhage underwent CT angiography and catheter angiography. Superselective embolization was indicated in the case of a positive catheter angiography. Primary study goals were technical and clinical success of superselective embolization. Secondary study goals were CT angiographic and catheter angiographic image findings and clinical follow-up. The mean time interval between CT angiography and catheter angiography was 8.3 ± 10.3 h (range, 0.2–34.1 h). Arterial renal hemorrhage was identified with CT angiography in 42 of 43 patients (98%) and catheter angiography in 39 of 43 patients (91%) (overview angiography in 4 of 43 patients [9%], selective angiography in 16 of 43 patients [37%], and superselective angiography in 39 of 43 patients [91%]). Superselective embolization was performed in 39 of 43 patients (91%) and technically successful in 37 of 39 patients (95%). Therefore, coil embolization was performed in 13 of 37 patients (35%), liquid embolization in 9 of 37 patients (24%), particulate embolization in 1 of 37 patients (3%), and a combination in 14 of 37 patients (38%). Clinical failure occurred in 8 of 39 patients (21%) and procedure-related complications in 2 of 39 patients (5%). The 30-day mortality rate was 3%. Hemoglobin decreased significantly prior to intervention (P < 0.001) and increased significantly after intervention (P < 0.005). In conclusion, superselective embolization is effective, reliable, and safe in patients with life-threatening arterial renal hemorrhage. In contrast to overview and selective angiography, only superselective angiography allows reliable detection of arterial renal hemorrhage. Preinterventional CT angiography is excellent for detection and localization of arterial renal hemorrhage and appropriate for guidance of the embolization procedure.     

Transcatheter arterial embolization in gastric cancer patients with acute bleeding

The safety and clinical effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization for bleeding associated with unresectable gastric cancer was evaluated. Twenty-three patients with bleeding from unresectable gastric cancer underwent transcatheter arterial embolization. Of the 23 patients, eight showed signs of active bleeding, such as contrast extravasation or pseudoaneurysm, seven showed only tumor staining, and the remaining eight patients showed negative angiographic findings. All embolization procedures were successful without procedure-related complications. In all eight active bleeding patients, immediate hemostasis was achieved. The overall clinical success rate was 52% (12/23). Recurrent bleeding within 1 month occurred in one (8%) in 12 patients with initial clinical success. One patient showed partial splenic infarction after embolization of the splenic artery for active bleeding from the short gastric artery. Overall 30-day mortality rate was 43% (10/23). The median overall survival period was 38 days. In patients with bleeding from unresectable gastric cancer, transcatheter arterial embolization was found to be safe and effective for achieving immediate hemostasis for active bleeding. Although the clinical success rate was not high, the recurrent bleeding rate was low at 1 month post procedure.     

Transcatheter Coil Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysm

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results and technical problems of transcatheter coil embolization for splenic artery aneurysm. Subjects were 16 patients (8 men, 8 women; age range, 40-80 years) who underwent transcatheter embolization for splenic artery aneurysm (14 true aneurysms, 2 false aneurysms) at one of our hospitals during the period January 1997 through July 2005. Two aneurysms (12.5%) were diagnosed at the time of rupture. Multiple splenic aneurysms were found in seven patients. Aneurysms were classified by site as proximal (or strictly ostial) (n = 3), middle (n = 3), or hilar (n = 10). The indication for transcatheter arterial embolization was a false or true aneurysm 20 mm in diameter. Embolic materials were fibered coils and interlocking detachable coils. Embolization was performed by the isolation technique, the packing technique, or both. Technically, all aneurysms were devascularized without severe complications. Embolized aneurysms were 6–40 mm in diameter (mean, 25 mm). Overall, the primary technical success rate was 88% (14 of 16 patients). In the remaining 2 patients (12.5%), partial recanalization occurred, and re-embolization was performed. The secondary technical success rate was 100%. Seven (44%) of the 16 study patients suffered partial splenic infarction. Intrasplenic branching originating from the aneurysm was observed in five patients. We conclude that transcatheter coil embolization should be the initial treatment of choice for splenic artery aneurysm.     

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Arterial Esophageal Bleeding with the Use of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for the treatment of arterial esophageal bleeding.

Materials and Methods

Between August 2000 and April 2008, five patients diagnosed with arterial esophageal bleeding by conventional angiography, CT-angiography or endoscopy, underwent a TAE with NBCA. We mixed NBCA with iodized oil at ratios of 1:1 to 1:4 to supply radiopacity and achieve a proper polymerization time. After embolization, we evaluated the angiographic and clinical success, recurrent bleeding, and procedure-related complications.

Results

The bleeding esophageal artery directly originated from the aorta in four patients and from the left inferior phrenic artery in one patient. Although four patients had an underlying coagulopathy at the time of the TAE, angiographic and clinical success was achieved in all five patients. In addition, no procedure-related complications such as esophageal infarction were observed during this study.

Conclusion

NBCA can be an effective and feasible embolic agent in patients with active arterial esophageal bleeding, even with pre-existing coagulopathy.     

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Materials and Methods

Between March 1999 and December 2002, TAE for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding was performed in 93 patients. The endoscopic approach had failed or was discarded as an approach for control of bleeding in all study patients. Among the 93 patients NBCA was used as the primary embolic material for TAE in 32 patients (28 men, four women; mean age, 59.1 years). The indications for choosing NBCA as the embolic material were: inability to advance the microcatheter to the bleeding site and effective wedging of the microcatheter into the bleeding artery. TAE was performed using 1:1-1:3 mixtures of NBCA and iodized oil. The angiographic and clinical success rate, recurrent bleeding rate, procedure related complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The angiographic and clinical success rates were 100% and 91% (29/32), respectively. There were no serious ischemic complications. Recurrent bleeding occurred in three patients (9%) and they were managed with emergency surgery (n = 1) and with a successful second TAE (n = 2). Eighteen patients (56%) had a coagulopathy at the time of TAE and the clinical success rate in this group of patients was 83% (15/18).

Conclusion

TAE with NBCA is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when it is not possible to advance the microcatheter to the bleeding site and when the patient has a coagulopathy.     

Angiographic treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage: comparison of vasopressin infusion and embolization

The results of selective intraarterial vasopressin-infusion therapy and embolization therapy were compared in two groups of patients with major gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The site of bleeding, clinical course, complications, and transfusion requirements were evaluated in each group. Intraarterial vasopressin infusion therapy resulted in successful control of hemorrhage in 16 (70%) of 23 patients. Four patients, however, rebled and an operation was necessary, reducing the overall success rate to 52% (12 of 23). In the group treated with embolization therapy, primary success was achieved in 17 (71%) of 24 patients. Four patients in whom initial embolization failed to control bleeding underwent repeat embolization and in all four permanent control of hemorrhage was obtained, producing an overall success rate of 21 (88%) of 24. Analysis of our results according to site of hemorrhage suggests that at certain sites embolization is a preferred method of treatment; embolization allows earlier control of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and a reduction in transfusion requirements.     

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate for Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients: Results and Predictors of Clinical Outcomes

PurposeTo assess the safety, efficacy, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in hemodynamically unstable patients.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2012, 49 hemodynamically unstable patients (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg and ongoing transfusion requirement) underwent emergency TAE with NBCA for nonvariceal upper GI bleeding and were included in the study. The technical (cessation of extravasation) and clinical (no residual bleeding within 7 d) success rates, incidence of ischemic complications, and clinical and technical predictors of recurrent bleeding within 30 days were analyzed.ResultsThe technical and clinical success rates were 98% and 71%, respectively. There were no ischemic bowel complications; one patient experienced hepatic infarction with elevated liver enzymes. The incidence of major complications was 2%. The incidence of rebleeding within 30 days was 39%. Hematologic malignancies (P = .017), coagulopathy (P = .003), steroid pulse therapy (P = .025), and the absence of NBCA in the target lesions (P = .003) were associated with recurrent bleeding.ConclusionsNBCA embolization can be safely performed in hemodynamically unstable patients with active nonvariceal upper GI bleeding. The clinical factors associated with rebleeding might influence the clinical outcome.     

微创经皮肾镜取石术后严重出血的DSA诊断和介入治疗

目的 探讨肾结石微创经皮肾镜取石术(MPCNL)术后出血的肾动脉造影表现及超选择性肾动脉栓塞止血的价值.方法 回顾性分析48例肾结石MPCNL术后出血患者的临床与动脉造影资料,分析其肾动脉造影表现、栓塞治疗效果及并发症等.结果 肾动脉造影结果显示MPCNL后出血的原因:单纯假性动脉瘤25例(52.1%)、假性动脉瘤伴动静脉瘘6例(12.5%)、假性动脉瘤伴对比剂外渗1例(2.1%)、肾动静脉瘘11例(22.9%)、血管破裂对比剂外渗2例(4.2%)和包膜动脉曲张1例(2.1%),未发现异常2例(4.2%).46例接受了栓塞治疗,并达到了栓塞治疗成功的DSA标准和临床标准,其中采用聚乙烯醇颗粒(PVA)栓塞18例、PVA+钢圈栓塞5例、明胶海绵栓塞10例、明胶海绵+钢圈栓塞11例、PVA+明胶海绵+钢圈栓塞2例.栓塞后均出现不同程度的栓塞后综合征;术后血清肌酐较术前轻度升高12例.结论 超选择性肾动脉栓塞能有效止血和保存肾脏功能,是MPCNL术后严重出血的首选治疗方法.     

Repair of Traumatic Abdominal Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Using N-Butyl-2-Cyano-Acrylate Embolization

Embolization using N-butyl-2-cyano-acrylate (NBCA) has been highly regarded for treating pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, and hemorrhage of the visceral arteries. We report the case of a patient who fell from a cliff and sustained hemorrhagic shock with blunt abdominal aortic rupture and who underwent embolization using NBCA. This treatment achieved immediate hemostasis and stabilization of vital signs. Although the long-term durability of NBCA is unknown, it appears that certain types of acute aortic hemorrhage with narrow-necked pseudoaneurysm can be controlled by embolization using NBCA.     

Is selective embolization of uterine arteries a safe alternative to hysterectomy in patients with postpartum hemorrhage?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization to control severe postpartum hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five women with intractable postpartum hemorrhage underwent uterine embolization in our institution during a 6-year period. RESULTS: Angiography revealed arterial extravasation in 13 patients (52%). Sixty-nine arteries were embolized. External bleeding resolved immediately or was markedly decreased in 24 women. In one patient, embolization failed to control the bleeding, and surgical treatment was required. No major complication of embolization therapy was observed. Ten women were followed up for an average of 2 years. Menstruation resumed in all patients, and one woman became pregnant. CONCLUSION: Embolization of acute postpartum hemorrhage is a safe and effective alternative to hysterectomy.     

动脉性上消化道出血的急症介入诊疗价值和影响因素

目的 分析急症介人在动脉性上消化道出血诊断中的影响因素,探讨其治疗价值.方法 回顾性分析56例动脉性上消化道出血资料.分析导管在2级动脉和3-4级动脉开口造影时出血阳性率差异:经导管灌注缩血管药、止血剂和经导管栓塞治疗的技术成功率、临床成功率.结果 导管在2级和3-4级动脉开口处出血的阳性诊断率分别为21.4%(12/56)和100%(56/56),两者差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).介入治疗前、后(24 h内)平均收缩压分别为(93.14±18.63)mmHg和(116.84 ±13.61)mmHg,两者差异有统计学意义(P=0.023).经导管灌注垂体后叶素和血凝酶20例,技术成功率80%(16/20),临床成功率55%(11/20).再出血9例行微导管超选择栓塞,7例成功,2例失败,接受手术治疗.经导管灌注血凝酶和明胶海绵条栓塞共45例(36例+9例灌注后再出血),技术成功率93%(42/45),临床成功率89%(40/45).2种介入治疗方法比较,止血的技术成功率无显著差异(P=0.058),临床成功率差异有统计学意义(P=0.001).2例患者栓塞后因酗酒再出血,血管造影显示原出血动脉闭塞:1例患者仅行胃、十二指肠动脉灌注和栓塞,死于动脉性门脉高压所致食管胃底静脉曲张大出血(肝动脉.门静脉瘘).结论 急症介入能快速发现出血部位并有效控制出血,是急性上消化道动脉性出血的有效诊疗手段;出血的诊断率、止血的技术成功率和临床成功率受多重因素影响.     

Superselective coil embolization of arterial esophageal hemorrhage

The authors report a case of arterial esophageal bleeding resistant to endoscopic hemostasis in a patient in critical condition after complicated gastrointestinal and pulmonary surgery. Unfit for surgery, the patient's massive hemorrhage was successfully treated with superselective coil embolization of the afferent esophageal branch of the thoracic aorta. In patients with severe arterial bleeding of the esophagus, percutaneous superselective arterial coil embolization may be feasible for control of hemorrhage.     

Transcatheter embolization in the management of pulmonary hemorrhage

A group of 306 patients with acute pulmonary hemorrhage were evaluated by means of bronchial arteriography and treated with transcatheter embolization. Specific causes for bleeding included lung abscess, chronic pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and bronchiectasis. In 120 patients the hemoptysis was massive, with volumes exceeding 500 ml/day. The majority (n = 225) were treated during peak hemorrhage. Embolization was performed with one of three methods: particulate embolization with polyurethane or velour, obturation with the angiographic catheter combined with peripheral embolization by means of infused albumin macroaggregates, and regional infusion of sclerosing agents. Effective hemostasis was obtained initially in 278 patients (90.8%), including 87.5% of those treated during peak hemorrhage. In 26 of 28 cases without initial response, the pulmonary artery was the source of bleeding. Recurrent bleeding, within 1-4 days, requiring surgery was observed in 39 patients with initially successful hemostasis. Of 158 patients who were treated without surgery, subsequent episodes of hemoptysis occurred in 36. Combined methods of embolization may improve the efficacy of treatment of operable and inoperable patients with lung disease complicated by hemorrhage.     

超选择肾动脉栓塞治疗外伤性肾出血:38例报告

目的探讨介入超选择插管肾动脉栓塞治疗肾损伤出血的临床应用价值。方法38例肾脏损伤出血患者,采用Seldinger技术,首先行肾动脉DSA造影,明确肾动脉破裂或损伤的部位及程度,在超滑导丝的引导下用明胶海绵颗粒或金属弹簧圈进行超选择插管栓塞治疗。结果38例患者经DSA肾动脉造影后均可明确肾动脉出血部位,经超选择插管明胶海绵颗粒或金属弹簧圈栓塞后均能有效止血,栓塞后造影显示出血动脉中断闭塞,对比剂外溢出血染色现象消失,术后1～3d肉眼血尿消失。结论介入超选择插管肾动脉栓塞治疗肾损伤出血创伤小、疗效好、并发症少、能最大限度的保护肾功能,具有独特的优越性,对于治疗肾损伤出血是一种简捷有效的方法,值得推广使用。     

Emergency embolization for the treatment of acute hemorrhage from intercostal arteries

To evaluate embolotherapy for the emergency management of acute bleeding from intercostal arteries. Between October 2003 and August 2012, 19 consecutive patients with hemorrhage from intercostal arteries were scheduled for emergency embolization. The primary study endpoints were technical and clinical success, which were defined as angiographic cessation of bleeding, and cessation of clinical signs of hemorrhage. The secondary study endpoints were periprocedural complications and 30-day mortality rate. In most patients (74 %), hemorrhage was caused by iatrogenic procedures with subsequent intercostal artery laceration. One of the patients was treated twice for recurrent hemothorax caused by a new intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm 7.5 years after the initial procedure. Thus, 20 procedures were performed in these 19 patients. Overall technical success was 85 %. In six patients, no embolization of the “backdoor” was feasible, and in two of these patients additional embolization of other intercostal arteries was necessary to prevent hemorrhage via collateral vessels. Clinical signs of hemorrhage ceased after embolotherapy in 16 of 20 procedures (clinical success 80 %). The mean follow-up was 358.7?±?637.1 days. One minor procedure-related complication occurred. The 30-day mortality rate was 21 %, however, this was unrelated to intercostal artery hemorrhage. Embolotherapy is an effective emergency therapy for patients with acute hemorrhage from intercostal arteries. Especially if embolization of the backdoor is not feasible, collateral supply via other intercostal arteries should be either ruled out or embolized to prevent ongoing hemorrhage. Despite successful embolotherapy, a majority of patients underwent surgery during follow-up to remove the symptomatic hematoma.