Mesenteric Embolization: Solid Organ, Pelvic Trauma, and GI Bleeding

Regardless of the various advances in the field of medicine in terms of newer drugs, latest endoscopic techniques, promising critical care management, as well as novel surgical interventions, gastrointestinal bleeding continues to remain a potential life-threatening event requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Angioembolization can achieve hemostasis and salvage organs, thus reducing morbidity. Evolution, cultivation, and expansion of different embolization techniques have widened the spectrum of indications offering nonoperative, minimally invasive management in these patients. Several embolization agents like gelfoam pledgets, liquid embolics, coils, vascular plugs, or a combination of these can be chosen to tackle the root cause of mesenteric hemorrhage, traumatic solid organ injury, and pelvic bleeding. In this chapter, we discuss the imperative inventory used for delivery of different embolization materials and the innovative techniques for their optimal use. Most importantly, we highlight how to handle the intraprocedural challenges as well as the undesired consequences.