Presplenectomy transcatheter occlusion of the splenic artery.

Transcatheter splenic artery occlusion can be performed rapidly and safely prior to splenectomy. This procedure reduces splenic bulk and decreases intraoperative bleeding. Patients not operated on after transcatheter splenic artery occlusion have had high mortality, and therefore the procedure should probably not be considered unless splenectomy is contemplated. An illustrative case is reported.