Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is an image-guided treatment to control coughing up blood, also called haemoptysis, when abnormal bronchial or related systemic arteries are responsible. It treats the bleeding blood supply; it does not replace treatment of the underlying lung disease.
When coughing blood needs urgent care
Heavy or ongoing bleeding, difficulty breathing, faintness or marked weakness needs emergency assessment. Do not wait for a routine clinic visit. Causes can include tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, other infections and cancer. Examination, blood tests, CT angiography and sometimes bronchoscopy help identify the cause and source.
How BAE controls bleeding
A vascular and interventional radiologist introduces a catheter through an artery and uses angiography to identify abnormal vessels. Embolic material is delivered selectively to reduce blood flow to the bleeding area. The choice of particles or other material depends on the vessel pattern. Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations involve different circulation and require a separate assessment and treatment plan.
What the procedure can and cannot do
BAE may control bleeding without open chest surgery. Bleeding can return, and a repeat procedure or another treatment may be necessary. Treating infection or another underlying cause remains important. BAE should not be described as a general treatment to shrink lung tumours or cure all causes of haemoptysis.
Risks and recovery
Possible problems include pain, fever, bruising or bleeding at the access site, contrast reactions and vessel injury. Unintended embolisation can injure nearby tissues; spinal cord injury is a rare but serious risk. After treatment, the team monitors breathing, bleeding and the access site. Recovery and hospital stay depend on the severity of the original illness.
Assessment in Vijayawada
For a planned review, bring CT images, previous bronchoscopy reports, details of tuberculosis or other lung treatment and a current medicine list. Do not stop prescribed medicines independently. Our BAE treatment guide explains evaluation and follow-up at Vascular Interventions Clinic in Vijayawada. Use the contact page for a non-emergency appointment.
