1991 Volume 13 Issue 2 Pages 139-151
The distribution of the bronchial artery in the tracheo-bronchial tree, and the therapeutic effect of the BAI were studied based on bronchial arterial injection of fluorescein. The distribution of the bronchial artery was clearly recognized by the bronchial mucosal staining findings of fluorescein- assisted bronchoscopy (FAB) technique. The results of bronchial arteriography (BAG) and FAB were compared. There was increased bronchial arterial flow in the lower trachea within 4 rings from the carina. In the membranous portion the flow is mainly from the right bronchial artery and in the cartilaginous portion the flow is mainly from the left bronchial artery. Both bronchial arteries were recognized to supply the proximal contralateral main bronchus and carina, as well as the ipsilateral main bronchus. The relationship between hypervascularity seen on BAG and bronchial arterial flow was not recognized in the trachea or carina, but was recognized in lobar bronchi. When FAB findings revealed the staining of bronchi related to the tumor and staining of the tumor itself, BAI was effective.
