Embolization of the systemic arteries of the lung.

Embolization of the systemic arteries of the lung (described by Remy and colleagues in 1973) is now a useful method for the treatment of hemoptysis or hemorrhagic lesions of the lung prior to surgical treatment, or for local treatment of hemoptysis when surgery is contraindicated or unnecessary. The technique is based on the anatomy of the different divisions of the systemic circulation (bronchial and extrabronchial), which for various physiologic reasons may develop hypervascularization. The results, complications, and contraindications of systemic embolization have previously been described and the technique is now commonly practiced.