One Case of the Intractable Epistaxis Using Selective Embolization

Abstract

Epistaxis is a common complaint facing the otolaryngologist. Some of these patients need hospitalization.
Here we report a case of intractable epistaxis of 46-year-old man. He was initially treated with anteroposterior packing. But he was often rebleeding during hospital admission so anemia was increasing. He was treated by superselective intra-arterial embolization of the sphenopalatine artery. A micro coil was delivered into the sphenopalatine artery by the catheter. He needed a blood transfusion before and after embolization. After the procedure, he did not rebleed and had no complications.
Therapeutic intra-arterial embolization is considered to be an effective therapy for intractable epistaxis in cases where the bleeding point is undetectable. Possible complications of intra-arterial embolization will be discussed.