Bronchial artery embolization therapy.

Bronchial artery embolization, which was first described in 1973, has now become an accepted method of therapy for massive hemoptysis. Successful use of this technique requires a knowledge of the bronchial anatomy, an understanding of the patient population for whom this technique is best suited, a familiarity with the technical aspects of the procedure, and an awareness of the complications associated with this technique. Angiographic evaluation and bronchial artery embolization may be used to stabilize the patient prior to surgical therapy or may represent definitive therapy.