What is involved in embolization?

Answer 1

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to deliberately block or reduce blood flow through a specific blood vessel. It can be used for a variety of conditions, including abnormal bleeding, aneurysms, vascular malformations, certain tumors, and uterine fibroids.

In a typical embolization procedure:

The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and medication may be given to help you relax.

A small puncture is made, usually in an artery in the wrist or groin.

A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessel toward the area being treated using live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).

Contrast dye may be injected so the doctor can clearly see the blood vessels and confirm the catheter is in the correct position.

An embolic material is delivered through the catheter. Depending on the condition being treated, this may consist of tiny particles, coils, glue, foam, or another specialized material.

The catheter is removed once the targeted blood flow has been adequately reduced or stopped, and pressure is applied to the small access site.

The exact technique, type of embolic material, anesthesia, and recovery time depend on what is being treated. Embolization is generally performed by an interventional radiologist, who uses imaging to precisely target the blood vessel while aiming to preserve blood flow to healthy tissue.

For example, in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), the catheter is directed to the arteries supplying the fibroids, and small particles are released to reduce their blood supply. The fibroids then gradually shrink over the following weeks and months.

Dr. Gangwani’s Vascular Clinic provides information and consultations for minimally invasive vascular and interventional radiology procedures.

Answer 2

Embolization involves plugging up access to the malformation. This technique does not require opening the skull to expose the brain and can be used to treat deep AVMs.