Embolization in trauma: principles and techniques.

Trauma continues to be the leading cause of death in the young population. Uncontrolled bleeding is a major factor in early mortality after trauma, contributing to 30 to 40% of trauma-related deaths. Transcatheter embolization techniques play a significant role in the comprehensive modern treatment of traumatic vascular injuries to solid organs and extremities. The purpose of this article is to review current principles and techniques in the use of embolization for the treatment of traumatic arterial injuries of solid organs and extremities.