📖 Overview
Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) controls haemoptysis (coughing blood) by blocking the abnormal bronchial arteries responsible for bleeding. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a catheter is advanced via the femoral artery to the bronchial arteries, which are then embolized with particles or coils.
BAE is effective in 85–95% of cases for acute control of haemoptysis. It is the first-line treatment for massive haemoptysis in patients with benign lung disease (bronchiectasis, tuberculosis sequelae, aspergillosis) where surgery is high-risk.
⚡ Bronchial artery embolization at a glance — At a glance
Bronchial artery embolization stops coughing up blood (haemoptysis) by blocking the abnormal arteries responsible, often as an emergency procedure.
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Immediate bleeding control in 85–90% of cases |
| Indications | Significant or recurrent haemoptysis, whatever the underlying cause |
| Recurrence | Possible; repeat embolization can be performed if needed |
| Cost | Covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees |
Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.
🎯 Indications
- Massive haemoptysis (>200 mL/24h) — emergency or urgent BAE
- Recurrent haemoptysis despite medical treatment
- Haemoptysis in bronchiectasis, post-tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis
- Pulmonary aspergillosis — chronic cavitary disease with bleeding
- Haemoptysis in lung cancer (palliative)
❓ Frequently asked questions
🔗 Related pages
🇫🇷 This page is also available in French: embolisation-bronchique.html
✓ Why this page is trustworthy
Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.