Fast hemostasis: a win–win strategy for ultrasound and microwave ablation

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhage is a serious complication following percutaneous biopsy requiring detecting and immediate treatment of active bleeding. This study aimed to explore the potential benefits of ultrasound (US)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) to treat acute hemorrhage in risky locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present seven patients (four males and three females) aged 19–69 years with solid-organ arterial hemorrhage treated by US-guided MWA and followed up with contrast-enhanced US (CEUS). RESULTS: All seven cases successfully underwent MWA for hemostasis, and their vital signs subsequently stabilized. During the follow-up from 13 to 36 days, the ablation area decreased slowly in five patients and was still stable in two cases. There were no complications observed in this study after MWA treatment. We also reviewed a total of 12 publications in the past 10 years. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that US-guided MWA may be an effective and safe strategy for acute hemorrhage in the emergency setting. To confirm this method and benefit more patients, more prospective studies with larger samples and longer follow-ups are recommended.