Aberrant obturator artery or corona mortis embolization for the treatment of pelvic trauma hemorrhage: Technique and clinical outcomes

This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the corona mortis in the aberrant obturator artery (AOA) for the management of bleeding in blunt pelvic trauma. This retrospective analysis included data on 14 patients (mean age, 68.6; range, 34-85 years) who underwent TAE of the corona mortis for managing hemorrhage following pelvic fracture from September 2018 to March 2023. Medical records' data included clinical manifestation, injury severity score, hemodynamic stability, length of stay in intensive care unit, transfusion requirement, complications related to the TAE, and clinical outcomes. Of 14 patients that underwent abdominopelvic computed tomography before the TAE, 12 demonstrated positive imaging findings for bleeding including pseudoaneurysm and contrast media extravasation. Thirteen exhibited ipsilateral fracture of the superior ramus fracture, all had a positive sign of bleeding and underwent super-selective TAE of the corona mortis to control the bleeding. Overall, technical success was achieved in all 14. None of the patients demonstrated any procedure-related complications. TAE of the corona mortis is a safe and effective method for controlling hemorrhage following pelvic bone fractures. In particular, fractures involving the superior pubic ramus or pubic acetabulum warrant close attention to bleeding from the AOA, known as the corona mortis.