Modern & effective technique (Bronchial artery embolization)to stop life-threatening hemoptysis (coughing of blood)

Coughing of blood called “Hemoptysis” (pronounced he-MOP-tis-is). The blood can come from the nose, mouth, throat, the airway passages leading to the lungs, or the lungs.

There are many underlying disorders that can cause hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

Main causes

Tuberculosis is the most common cause of hemoptysis.

Other causes

Bronchitis,

Bronchiectasis and

Bronchogenic carcinoma,

Pulmonary AVM, trauma.

Whatever the suspected cause, development of moderate and massive hemoptysis (generally more than about 200-240 mL, or about 1 cup, in 24 hours) should always be brought to the attention of a primary physician and Interventional Radiologist because, the mortality rate for patients with massive hemoptysis can be as high as 75%. Most patients who die from hemoptysis suffer from asphyxiation (lack of oxygen) due to too much blood in the airways.

Diagnosis

Is by detailed medical history, laboratory tests, and a chest x-ray. It may also involve a bronchoscopy or CT scan, or pulmonary angiography.

Laboratory tests -- laboratory tests might include a complete blood count, a coagulation profile, an AFB smear, a sputum culture ,arterial blood gas studies, and urinalysis.

Chest x-ray

CT scan

A chest CT produces more detailed pictures than a normal chest x-ray and is more sensitive to abnormalities that may not be present on the chest x-ray.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (with or without biopsy)

Bronchoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube through the mouth or nose, into the airway, and into the lungs. It enables the doctor to view the tissue inside the lungs (directly or on a monitor) and biopsy (collect a small sample) abnormal tissue for microscopic examination.

If the bleeding has been persistent, a bronchoscopy is probably a good idea. an early bronchoscopy allows more immediate treatment.

Pulmonary angiography In cases of bronchiectasis, a bronchial angiogram may be performed instead of, or as well as, a pulmonary angiogram. The technique is sometimes used to diagnose vascular causes of hemoptysis

An effective non-surgical treatment for stopping life-threatening massive and moderate hemoptysis is available from more then a decade but now becoming known to general public and physician. This technique is called “Bronchial Artery Embolization” and is an Interventional Radiological procedure. This procedure is highly sophisticated advanced medical technique that replaces complicated and painful open surgical procedures. And it is much easier for the patient because it does not require surgical incision, done under local anesthesia, less risky, almost painless and have markedly shorter recovery times (1-2 days).

Bronchial artery angiogram revealed - Hypervascularity, hypertrophy with shunting, dense soft tissue staining secondary to leaking of blood which was successfully embolized and bleeding was immediately stoped.

1. It is performed under Local anesthesia. Not General anesthesia.

2. Requires only a tiny nick in the skin (No surgical incision of chest).

3. Recovery is shorter than open surgery.

4. Bronchial artery embolization involves virtually no blood loss or risk of blood transfusion.

5. Markedly shorter recovery times (1-2 days). If the presenting complaint was excess vaginal bleeding, 87-90% of cases experience resolution within 24 hours.

Dr. Pradeep Muley M.D, Head and Senior Consultant Interventional Radiologist, at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj & Batra Hospital & medical Research Centre, New Delhi who was trained in USA and Singapore said, the pros and cons of the various techniques depend on the skill of the doctor performing the procedure and the availability of the necessary equipment. The patient should discuss the various procedures thoroughly with their primary physician and interventional radiologist.

In last few years he successfully performed good number of Bronchial Artery Embolization at various hospitals in New Delhi. In all patients the bleeding was stopped immediately after the Bronchial Artery Embolization.

For more in-depth information on non-surgical treatments, call 09810492778 or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it