Which artery is commonly embolized if a specific bleeding site in the gastric circulation is not found?

The left gastric artery is commonly embolized when a specific bleeding site within the gastric circulation cannot be located during an interventional procedure. This artery, which arises from the celiac trunk, supplies blood to the lesser curvature of the stomach and plays a significant role in the vascularization of the stomach.

In cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding where the exact source is unclear, the left gastric artery is a strategic target for intervention. Embolization of this artery can help control bleeding from the stomach since it is one of the primary vessels supplying blood to this organ. It effectively reduces blood flow to the area, resulting in decreased bleeding, making it a common choice in the management strategy.

Other arteries involved in gastric circulation, such as the right gastroepiploic, right gastric, and short gastric arteries, while important, are less commonly the focus of initial embolization when the bleeding source is vague, as the left gastric artery represents a more definitive target.