Transarterial embolization of the external carotid artery in the treatment of life-threatening haemorrhage following blunt maxillofacial trauma

Abstract

Severe bleeding after blunt maxillofacial trauma is a rare but life-threatening event. Non-responders to conventional treatment options with surgically inaccessible bleeding points can be treated by transarterial embolization (TAE) of the external carotid artery (ECA) or its branches. Case series on such embolizations are small; considering the relatively high incidence of maxillofacial trauma, the ECA TAE procedure has been hypothesized either underused or underreported. In addition, the literature on the ECA TAE using novel non-adhesive liquid embolization agents is remarkably scarce.

Keywords

• blunt maxillofacial trauma
• external carotid artery injury
• intractable bleeding
• non-adhesive liquid embolization agent
• precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid, neurointervention