Catheter embolization of renal hemorrhages of benign origin

Catheter embolization was performed in 13 patients with persistent hematuria after an iatrogenic injury of the renal artery (n = 7), due to a vascular malformation (n = 4), or after renal trauma (n = 2). On angiography the following vascular changes were found: extravasation of contrast medium due to a severe vascular laceration (n = 2), pseudoaneurysms (n = 2), arteriovenous fistulas or malformations (n = 3) or combined vascular injuries (n = 2). The embolization was done using the monoaxial technique in nine patients, while in four patients a coaxial technique with micro-catheters was used. The method of choice is the use of micro-catheters with micro-coils. This technique allows the superselective embolization of small renal arteries without damaging the surrounding parenchyma.