Radiological intervention in multiply injured patients

The most frequent cause of mortality during the first 4 h following severe trauma is uncontrollable hemorrhage from large arteries and parenchymal organs, whereas traumatic injuries of the heart and aorta are responsible for sudden death occurring at the accident site. It is therefore mandatory to diagnose and treat these injuries rapidly. Multislice spiral computed tomography is a highly useful imaging modality for severely injured patients. In this group of patients, various interventional procedures such as embolisation, stenting and temporary balloon occlusion may contribute to saving lives. In ruptures of the aorta and major arteries, stenting and temporary balloon occlusion may prevent exsanguination. Transcatheter embolisation is useful in hemorrhage from visceral organs, arteriovenous fistulas and secondary onset hemorrhage. (orig.)