Robot-assisted ligation of bronchial artery could be an alternative to embolization

Abstract

A 37-year-old patient presented with a self-limiting episode of moderate haemoptysis. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography showed a tortuous and dilated right bronchial artery arising from the descending aorta at the level of T6. Therapeutic angiography was attempted, but in the presence of spinal artery arising from the bronchial artery in question, selective embolization was contraindicated due to risk of spinal cord ischaemia. After a multidisciplinary meeting, it was decided to attempt surgery to ligate this pathological artery. We performed minimally invasive robot-assisted ligation of this pathological artery. The postoperative course was uneventful with good clinical and radiological outcome at 3-month follow-up. A minimally invasive approach provides a real alternative to embolization and could be a therapeutic option.