Splenic Embolization Paris

Overview

Splenic embolization uses a catheter advanced through the femoral artery to the splenic artery, with injection of embolic agents to reduce splenic blood flow. Partial embolization (40–60% of the spleen) reduces splenic sequestration of blood cells in hypersplenism while preserving immune function. Total embolization (pre-operatively) or splenic artery aneurysm treatment are other indications.

At a glance — key figures

Splenic embolization blocks the splenic artery or its branches, most often urgently after trauma, to preserve the spleen without surgery.

Criterion	Data
Main indication	Splenic trauma — an alternative to surgical splenectomy
Benefit	Preserves the spleen and its immune function
Anaesthesia	Local, via a femoral artery puncture
Cost	Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), this procedure is covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12.

Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP.

Indications

Hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia or anaemia — pre-chemotherapy or ongoing haematological disease
Portal hypertension — reducing splenic congestion and platelet sequestration
Splenic artery aneurysm — endovascular treatment
Pre-operative embolization before splenectomy — reduce intra-operative blood loss

FAQs

After splenic embolization, patients typically experience fever, left upper quadrant pain, and malaise for 3–7 days as the infarcted splenic tissue is reabsorbed. This is expected and managed with analgesia and antipyretics.

Yes. Partial splenic embolization (50–60%) preserves sufficient splenic tissue for immune function, unlike splenectomy. Vaccination against encapsulated organisms is not required.

Frequently asked questions

The spleen plays an important role in immune defence, particularly against certain bacterial infections. Embolization can control bleeding while preserving this function.

Splenic embolization controls bleeding in the large majority of appropriately selected trauma patients, though surgery remains an option if needed.

Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), this procedure is covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12.

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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.

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Splenic Embolization