Johns Hopkins researchers demonstrated the worthiness of the concept this year.

In the past, when initial CT scans didn’t uncover anything suspicious, patients were often referred for a lumbar puncture to check for blood in their spinal fluid. But those recommendations have started to change.

There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.  

Interventional procedures play an integral role in managing traumatic pediatric injuries nonoperatively, though specific guidelines for the use of endovascular interventions in this setting have not been fully defined prior to these latest recommendations.

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.