Liver bleed and pseudoaneurysm embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat bleeding in the liver or a pseudoaneurysm (a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause bleeding). It involves the injection of small particles or substances into the blood vessel that is bleeding or has the pseudoaneurysm, blocking the blood flow and stopping the bleeding.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and involves the insertion of a small catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or arm, which is guided into the affected area using X-ray or ultrasound imaging. Once the catheter is in place, the embolic material is injected, blocking the blood vessel and stopping the bleeding.
Embolisation for liver bleeds/pseudoanueryms is a minimally invasive live saving procedure that reduces mortality and morbidity otherwise associated with surgery in these patients. It can be done under local anaesthesia and does not required cutting open the abdomen or resecting the liver.
Possible side effects of embolization include pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. More serious complications, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding organs or tissues, are rare but possible.
Patients who have liver bleeding or a pseudoaneurysm should discuss the risks and benefits of embolization with their healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for their individual case. If left untreated, liver bleeding or a ruptured pseudoaneurysm can be life-threatening, so prompt treatment is essential.