Seminars in interventional radiology
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Semin Intervent Radiol · Mar 2008
Ultrasound-Enhanced Thrombolysis: EKOS EndoWave Infusion Catheter System.
The purpose of the EKOS EndoWave Infusion Catheter System is to enhance catheter-directed thrombolysis by accelerating the fibrinolytic process with the application of ultrasound. Improving the efficiency of the thrombolytic process reduces the treatment time and total lytic dose delivered, thereby lowering the overall cost of therapy and the risk of an associated bleeding complication.
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Semin Intervent Radiol · Sep 2006
Bronchial artery embolization for treatment of life-threatening hemoptysis.
Massive hemoptysis is an emergent and life-threatening condition with a broad range of underlying causes. Fortunately, massive hemoptysis accounts for a minority of cases of hemoptysis, ~5%. Unlike hemorrhage in other areas of the body, the primary cause of death from pulmonary hemorrhage is most commonly asphyxiation rather than exsanguination. ⋯ Since its introduction in 1973, bronchial artery embolization has proven to be a safe and effective tool for the treatment of massive hemoptysis and is now considered the treatment of choice, with initial success rates ranging from 77 to 94%. The long-term control rate of hemoptysis ranges from 70 to 85% and is largely a function of the degree of inflammation and the natural progression of the underlying disease. This article reviews the current literature on bronchial artery embolization for the treatment of massive hemoptysis.