The application of C-arm CT scan in performing precise prostatic arterial embolization

Objective: To discuss the application of C-arm CT scan in performing precise prostatic arterial embolization (PAE). Methods: The dominant artery of the prostate and its spatial relationship with the peripheral blood vessels were identified by intraoperative synchronous XperCT angiography, which was followed by the performance of precise PAE. Results: Among 16 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, one patient had to give up the operation because abdominal aortic aneurysm was found by intraoperative angiography; 2 patients received unilateral precise PAE as contralateral internal iliac artery was occluded; bilateral precise PAE was successfully accomplished in 13 patients. XperCT angiography was successfully performed for all the arteries that were treated with embolization. Based on the contrast agent staining of the prostate gland and the 3D reconstruction of peripheral arteries, the dominant artery of the prostate and its spatial relationship with the peripheral blood vessels were determined, and precise PAE was carried out. After PAE, no ectopic embolism-related complications occurred. One month after PAE,the remission rate of clinical symptoms was 100%. Conclusion: Intraoperative C-arm CT scan can provide more accurate images which are very important for accurately identifying the prostate arteries and its relationship with the peripheral vessels, therefore, C-arm CT scan is an important technical support for the performance of precise PAE. (authors)