Embolization of pulmonary catheter-induced pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms

Study objectives: To determine the outcome of patients with pulmonary catheter-induced pulmonary artery pseudoansurysms (PSAs) treated with embolization. Design: Retrospective outcomes review. Setting: Large urban tertiary-care hospital. Patients: All patients who presented to diagnostic angiography for ruptured pulmonary artery PSA caused by pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) from November 1990 to September 1995, A total of sis patients were examined. Interventions: Transcatheter embolotherapy with coils, absorbable gelatin sponges (Gelfoam), and suture material, Results: These procedures were technically successful in all patients, and none had recurrent hemoptysis, Four of the sis patients were discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: Embolotherapy is a useful alternative to surgery for some patients with PAC-induced pulmonary PSA.