Endovascular Management of Traumatic Splenic Lacerations

Abstract Splenic injury in the setting of traumatic injury can lead to significant blood loss and hemodynamic instability. Splenic artery embolization and thus the role of interventional radiologists in the management of these injuries has continued to increase, as studies have shown a decrease in all-cause mortality for patients who are managed nonoperatively. There are multiple techniques for embolization including proximal, distal, and combined embolization as well as several embolic materials that can be used. This allows treatment to be tailored to the patient and their grade of injury as determined by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Splenic Injury Scale. It is important for interventional radiologists to understand the expected procedural outcomes, possible complications, and postprocedural management of these patients.