What is Embolization?
A minimally invasive treatment option.
The term “embolization” refers to the restriction of blood flow as part of a medical procedure. This minimally invasive procedure performed by an Interventional Radiologist involves accessing a blood vessel (most commonly in the groin or wrist), and navigating to targeted vessels in an area of the body where we intend to restrict blood flow.
How embolization works
Normally, blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body through blood vessels called arteries, and from the rest of the body to the heart through blood vessels called veins. Arteries are normally supplying blood flow to organs so that they can perform their normal functions. In certain disease conditions, however, blood vessels can become abnormally enlarged or damaged. In these situations we can perform embolization to help reduce blood flow and treat the underlying disease process. A variety of tools can be used to perform the embolization. These include, but are not limited to, metal coils, tiny plastic particles, and glue. Embolization procedures have been shown to be safe, effective, and require minimal downtime compared to surgery.
What types of embolization procedures are there?
At our outpatient office-based facility, we offer several advanced embolization procedures, including:
- Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
PAE is used to treat enlarged prostate (BPH) by reducing blood flow to the prostate, helping relieve urinary symptoms without surgery. - Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
UFE shrinks uterine fibroids and can improve heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure while preserving the uterus. - Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
GAE helps reduce chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis by targeting inflammation in the knee. - Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization
Hemorrhoid artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids, especially in patients experiencing chronic bleeding or discomfort.
Is embolization right for you?
Many patients seeking alternatives to surgery may qualify for embolization treatment. Our experienced team provides personalized evaluations to determine the best minimally invasive option for each patient.
If you are experiencing symptoms from an enlarged prostate, fibroids, knee arthritis, or hemorrhoids, embolization may provide lasting relief without major surgery.
Talk to our embolization specialists
If you are experiencing symptoms from an enlarged prostate, fibroids, knee arthritis, or hemorrhoids, embolization may provide lasting relief without major surgery. Talk to your doctor, or consult with one of the interventional radiologists at URVI to see if an embolization procedure may be a good option for you.
