Under local anaesthesia, the femoral artery was punctured and 6F sheath was inserted. Splenic artery was catheterized using 4- or 5-F catheters (Cobra C2 cat or Simmons II catheter Imager-Boston Scientific Natick, Massachusetts). Embolization was done using Embospheres (Biosphere Medical, Rockland, MA) 700-900 μ in diameter.

The left radial artery was preferred due to shorter distance from the left wrist to the splenic artery in comparison to the right wrist; also the left radial access theoretically decreases the risk of cerebral emboli. Under local anaesthesia and ultrasound guidance, the radial artery was punctured and 5- or 6-F sheath was introduced. After sheath insertion, the radial cocktail (2.5 mg of verapamil, 100 μg of nitroglycerin, and 5,000 units of heparin) was injected through the sheath over one minute after dilution with 20 ml of blood to decrease the discomfort during injection.

embolization of the splenic artery for the treatment of hypersplenism

The achievement of a single puncture allowing access to splenic artery without periprocedural complications.

Number of arterial punctures required to complete the procedure

The time interval from starting the anaethesia till completion of the procedure

Duration of flouroscopy exposure during the procedure

Number of days that the patient will spend in the hospital after the procedure.

Access site adverse events such as vessel thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm or bleeding.

Adverse events related to the procedure itself like splenic abscess, ascitis or portal vein thrombosis