Super-selective renal artery embolization (SRAE) for iatrogenic and traumatic renal hemorrhage.

Purpose: To present the radiological and clinical outcomes of super-selective transcatheter renal artery embolization in patients with renal injury hemorrhage, and share our experience.

Methods: 43 patients with renal injury hemorrhage who underwent 46 SRAEs were enrolled in this retrospective review study. Records, images, and outcomes were reviewed. The individual embolic method and its observed effects were investigated.

Results: Angiography showed free extravasation in 25 angiograms, pseudoaneurysm in 15 angiograms, and arteriovenous fistulas in 1 angiogram. Most patients achieved initial clinical success (38/43, 88.4%), and 41 patients achieved final clinical success (41/43, 95.3%). 9/11 patients who adopted empirical embolization achieved initial clinical success (81.8%). In our study, the combination of PVA particles and micro-coils has emerged as the most commonly utilized material combination (24/46, 52.2%). Significant differences in hemoglobin levels were observed before and after the embolization procedure (p = 0.026, 95%CI: 1.03-15.54). Post-embolization clinical follow-up showed no evidence of recurrent hematuria, progression of hematoma, hypertension, and no reflux of the embolic agent.

Conclusion: Though SRAE showed satisfactory results across a broad range of renal injury hemorrhage, there are still some aspects that need attention: (1) Surgical procedure should be understood, including the surgical site, access routes, and placement of implants, such as double-J stents. (2) In cases where identifying the bleeding point proves challenging, consider the possibility of an accessory renal artery.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400085050, Registration Date: 30 May 2024, retrospectively, non-randomized.