This page tells you about the procedure known as a Bronchial Artery Embolisation (BAE). It explains what is involved and what the possible risks are. It is not meant to be a substitute for informed discussion between you and your doctor but can act as a starting point for such a discussion.
Your procedure will take place in the Radiology department. The radiology department may also be called the ‘X-ray’ or ‘Imaging’ department. It is the facility in the hospital where radiological examinations are carried out, using a range of x-ray equipment, such as a CT (computed tomography) scanner, an ultrasound machine and a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner.
Interventional Radiologists are doctors specially trained to carry out imaging guided complex procedures. They are supported by radiographers who are highly trained to carry out x-rays and other imaging procedures. Also, specialist nurses who are highly trained in interventional procedures, sedation, recovery and patient support.
Embolisation is the term used to describe the blocking of blood vessels without having an operation. In your case, there are abnormal blood vessels supplying part of your lung, which are bleeding. A thin plastic tube (catheter) is inserted into the artery in the groin and the radiologist uses X-ray equipment to guide the catheter towards the arteries that are bleeding in your chest. A special X-ray dye (contrast agent) is injected into the catheter to ensure a safe position for embolisation.
The interventional radiologist can then block the abnormal arteries by carefully injecting tiny particles or small coils through the catheter guided by images on a screen. Small amounts of contrast are injected down the catheter to check that the abnormal arteries are blocked satisfactorily.
Your doctor has referred you for a BAE because you have been coughing up blood (haemoptysis) from your lung. This is coming from an area of abnormal lung tissue usually caused by chronic inflammation and supplied by abnormal arteries. In the past, this condition was treated by a major surgical operation to remove part or the entire lung. Nowadays, it can be treated with a minimally invasive interventional radiology technique of embolisation.
Embolisation is a very safe procedure, but as with any medical procedure there are some risks and complications that can arise.
Bruising
Occasionally, a small bruise may develop in your groin at the needle-entry site. The bruise might be sore for a few days but will disappear in a few weeks. Occasionally a large bruise may develop and require a small operation to drain it.
Aneurysm
Occasionally, a tender pulsating swelling called a false aneurysm may develop over a few days due to on-going leakage from the arterial puncture site. This can usually be treated by an injection of a blood-clotting agent under ultrasound guidance.
Paralysis
Occasionally, blood vessels to the spinal cord may come from the bronchial artery. If particles were to find their way into the spinal artery, they could cause paralysis. However, the interventional radiologist will make every effort to avoid this complication and the risk to you of continuing bleeding into your lung is much greater than the risk of paralysis.
Non-Target Embolisation
There is also a rare risk of non-target embolisation (embolisation of vessels not supplying the bleeding area). The initial angiogram will determine whether it is safe to proceed with the embolisation, however, if it does occur it is generally not a significant problem.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to the dye are also possible but are very rarely serious.
You need to be come to the Imaging Department at the time instructed on your appointment letter. You may be asked not to eat for 6 hours before your appointment time, though you can continue to drink clear fluids up to 2 hours prior to your appointment.
On arrival you will be checked into the department by a nurse. The nurse will fill in some paperwork and do some clinical observations-like blood pressure and pulse. The Radiologist will come and explain the procedure and sign off the Consent form with you. This is where you can talk to the Radiologist doing your procedure and they will be able to address any concerns you may have.
You will need to stay overnight after this procedure, so please bring an overnight bag. When you attend the imaging department, the imaging nurse will check with the bed manager if there is a bed available for you post procedure and if there is, then your procedure will go ahead. You should be expected to wait, if there is no bed available. The nurse will update you on your admission.
You will be asked to put on a hospital gown. The procedure is carried out using the artery in your groin and therefore the skin in this area may have to be shaved.
This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic or light sedation.
If you have any allergies, you must let your doctor know. If you have previously reacted to intravenous contrast medium (the dye used for kidney x-rays and CT scans), then you must also tell your doctor about this.
We want to involve you in all the decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to go ahead with procedure, by law we must ask for your consent and will ask you to sign a Consent form. This confirms that you agree to have the procedure and understand what it involves.
The consent form is a form that both you and the operating doctor sign confirming that you have discussed the procedure and been informed of the risks/benefits/alternatives and have agreed to carry on with the interventional procedure. (You can have a copy of this form to take with you.)
Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have and, remember that even at this stage, you can decide against going ahead with the procedure if you so wish.
You will lie on the X-ray table, generally flat on your back. A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm, so that a sedative or painkillers can be given if required (This is generally not needed as the procedure is usually tolerated very well with just a local anaesthetic). You may have monitoring devices attached to your chest and finger and may be given oxygen.
The procedure is performed under sterile conditions and the interventional radiologist and radiology nurse will wear sterile gowns and gloves. Your groin area will be swabbed with antiseptic, and you will be covered with sterile drapes. Local anaesthetic will be injected into the skin in your groin and a needle will be inserted into the artery. A fine plastic tube called a catheter will be placed into the artery. The radiologist uses X-ray equipment to guide the catheter towards the arteries that are bleeding in your chest. A special X-ray dye (contrast agent) is injected into the catheter to ensure a safe position for embolisation. The interventional radiologist can then block the abnormal arteries by carefully injecting tiny particles through the catheter guided by images on a screen. Small amounts of contrast are injected down the catheter to check that the abnormal arteries are blocked satisfactorily. Once the interventional radiologist is satisfied with the images, the catheter will be removed.
Firm pressure will be applied to the skin entry point, for about ten minutes, to prevent any bleeding. Sometimes a special device may be used to close the hole in the artery.
Some discomfort may be felt in the skin and deeper tissues during the injection of the local anaesthetic. After this, the procedure should not be painful. There will be a nurse, or another member of clinical staff, standing nearby looking after you. If the procedure does become uncomfortable, they will be able to arrange for you to have a painkiller through the needle in your arm. As the dye, or contrast medium, passes around your body, you may get a warm feeling, which some people can find a little unpleasant.
Every patient’s situation is different, and it is not always easy to predict how complex or how straightforward the procedure will be. Generally, the procedure will be over in about an hour.
You will be taken to the recovery area on a trolley. A recovery nurse will carry out routine observations, such as taking your pulse and blood pressure, to make sure that there are no problems. They will also look at the skin entry point to make sure there is no bleeding from it.
You will generally stay in bed for around 4-6 hours. The nurses will let you know when they are happy for you to be discharged from recovery and be admitted to your ward bed.
You will be kept in hospital overnight and may be discharged the next day.
The referring doctor may make a follow-up appointment for you in clinic to see your consultant after you have this procedure.
Some of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the doctors looking after you. Make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information about the procedure.
Contact:
- British Society of Interventional Radiology
- CIRSE
- For health advice or information you can call NHS Direct on 0845 45647 or visit the NHS Direct website.
- The NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries website
UCL Hospitals cannot accept responsibility for information provided by other organisations.
Tel Number: Interventional Radiology Clinical Nurse Specialist: 07374 875629
UCH Switchboard: 020 3456 7890
Address:
Interventional Radiology Imaging Department, University College Hospital, 2nd Floor, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU
Radiology email: uclh.
Radiology Admin enquiries phoneline: 020 3447 3267
Website: www.
Hospital Transport Services: 020 3456 7010
Procedures
The Imaging Department, Level 2 Podium in the main University College Hospital building with the entrance on Euston Road (see map below).
Travelling to the hospital
No car parking is available at the hospital. Street parking is limited and restricted to a maximum of 2 hours.
Please note the University College Hospital lies outside, but very close to the Central London Congestion Charging Zone.
Tube
The nearest tube stations, which are within 2 minutes’ walk are:
- Warren Street (Northern and Victoria lines)
- Euston Square (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines)
Overground trains
Euston, King Cross & St Pancras and Kings Cross Thames link railway stations are within 10-15 minutes’ walk.
Bus
Further travel information can be obtained from the TFL website or by calling 020 3054 4040 14
Hospital transport service
If you need (and are eligible for) transport, please call: 020 3456 7010 (Mon to Fri 8am-8pm) to speak to a member of the Transport Assessment Booking Team.
If you have a clinical condition or mobility problem that is unlikely to improve you will be exempt from the assessment process. However, you will still need to contact the assessment team so that your transport can be booked. If your appointment is cancelled by the hospital or you cannot attend it, please call 020 7380 9757 to cancel your transport.
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Page last updated: 02 July 2025
Review due: 01 July 2027