In the setting of pelvic trauma or peripartum hemorrhage in a patient with an unstable condition, is superselective embolization always indicated?
In emergent settings, with a patient with an unstable condition, the goal is efficient hemostasis and stabilization of the patient’s condition. Embolization of the entire internal iliac artery, if necessary, can be performed, usually with Gelfoam. The time saved by avoiding further catheterization may be lifesaving. If the patient’s condition is stable, selective embolization may be performed to reduce ischemic complications
