Transcatheter embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate for renal arterial bleeding

Objective: To discuss the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter embolization with N- butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in treating renal artery bleeding. Methods: During the period from Jan. 2006 to June 2013, transcatheter embolization with NBCA was carried out in 12 patients with renal arterial bleeding, who failed to respond to the conventional treatment. Of the 23 patients, only NBCA was used in 20 (80%), and NBCA together with Gelfoam and/or micro-coils was employed in 3 (13%). DSA showed that the lesions included pseudoaneurysm (n=10), arteriovenous fistula (n=8) and active bleeding (n=5). The clinical and imaging materials were retrospectively analyzed. The technical success rate, clinical result and procedure-related complications were recorded. Results: Technical success was obtained in all 23 patients. Angiography performed after the transcatheter embolization showed that the abnormal vascular manifestations disappeared in all cases. The bleeding stopped at 2 or 3 days after the procedure, and no recurrence was observed. No obvious complications occurred during and after the treatment. Conclusion: For renal bleeding due to various reasons, transcatheter embolization with NBCA only or with NBCA plus other embolic materials is safe and effective. Even for patients with poor coagulation function, NBCA can also get satisfactory result. (authors)