Superselective angiographic embolization for intractable epistaxis

Conclusions. Routine embolization of the ipsilateral facial artery (FA) is effective because of the high success rate. The use of different embolic materials for the internal maxillary artery (IMA) and the FA was considered safe because of the absence of major complications. Objective. To evaluate outcomes of routine embolization of the FA as well as the IMA ipsilateral to the bleeding site for intractable epistaxis, and outcomes using different embolic materials for the FA and the IMA. Patients and methods. Twenty-two patients with intractable epistaxis who underwent superselective embolization were retrospectively analyzed with a mean follow-up of 7 months. The FA and the IMA ipsilateral to the bleeding site were embolized. Two embolic materials, gelatin sponge and microcoils, were used for the IMA and the FA, respectively. Results. The short-term success rate within the first 7 days was 77.3% (17/22). The long-term success rate was 95.5% (21/22). There were no major complications in 22 cases. Minor complications occurred in 13 cases (59%). These minor complications usually did not last more than a week and most resolved within a day.