Haemoptysis is a common symptom which can have several courses, of which bronchitis, bronchiectasis, broncogenic carcinoma and tuberculosis are the most common. Massive haemoptysis (300 ml in 24 hours) occurs infrequently but has a high mortality rate. Bronchial artery embolisation, embolisation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and endoluminal aortic stent graft are interventional treatments which can be lifesaving and in some situations should be the first choice of treatment. Interventional treatments are effective, safe therapeutic procedures which reduce the need for high-risk acute thoracic surgery.