Let's learn about Embolization treatment, which blocks a blood vessel without a large incision.

Imagine that you have a blood clot somewhere inside your body, or a vein that supplies blood to a cancerous tumor. In the past, you would have to do a major operation for something like this. But now, there is a technology that allows you to go inside the body through a very small hole and close off that blood vessel. That's what we call Embolization. This is a minimally invasive treatment method that does not cause much damage to the body and does not require a major incision. In this article, we will talk about it simply.

What are the benefits of embolization treatment?

Simply put, this treatment involves temporarily or permanently blocking a specific blood vessel in the body. This provides us with several major benefits.

• Eliminating abnormal blood vessel connections: Sometimes, abnormal connections can form between arteries and veins in our body. Embolization can close these connections before they cause major problems.
• Cutting off the blood supply to tumors and cancers: A tumor needs a blood supply to grow. When this treatment blocks the blood supply to the tumor, the cancer cells are deprived of the nutrients they need and die.
• Stopping excessive bleeding: This method is very effective in stopping bleeding inside the body due to an accident, stomach injury, or any other reason.

What conditions is this treatment used for?

Embolization is a treatment that can be used for a number of problems in almost any part of the body. The table below lists some of these situations.

How exactly is this treatment done?

This treatment is performed by an Interventional Radiologist , a specialist who uses imaging technologies like X-rays to guide small tubes through the blood vessels inside the body.

Here is how the treatment works step by step:

1. Preparation: Before the treatment, you will have a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound scan to check the condition of your blood vessels. If you are taking blood thinners, you will need to temporarily stop them as directed by your doctor.

2. Sedation and Numbness: Before the treatment begins, you will be given a sedative. Then, an injection will be given to numb the area where the tube will be inserted (usually the groin, wrist, or neck).

3. Inserting the catheter: The doctor makes a tiny hole in the skin at the numb area and inserts a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel through it.

4. Traveling to the target: While watching a real-time X-ray video technology like fluoroscopy, the doctor guides the catheter through the blood vessel to the exact location where treatment is needed.

5. Sending the Embolic Agent: Once in the correct location, a special substance or device (embolic agent) used to close the blood vessel is sent through the catheter.

6. Blockage and closure: After making sure that the blood vessel is completely blocked by the material, the doctor carefully removes the catheter. A small band-aid is applied to the puncture site. No major incisions or stitches are required.

Embolic Agents

Different types of materials are used to seal the blood vessel. The choice depends on your medical condition and the nature of the blood vessel.

Are there any risks with this treatment?

As with any medical treatment, embolization treatment can carry some risks. However, the likelihood of these occurring is very low. Your doctor will discuss these with you.

• Allergy to Contrast Dye: Some people may be allergic to the special dye used during the scan.
• Bruising or bleeding at the piercing site: A small bruise may appear at the piercing site.
• Infection: Very rarely, an infection may occur.
• Embolic agent misplacement: The substance used to block a blood vessel can somehow get loose and travel to another vein and block it (this is very rare).
• Damage to surrounding tissue: There is a small chance that healthy tissue around the target area will be damaged due to the blood supply being cut off.

After treatment and recovery period

After the treatment, you will need to stay in the hospital for about a day. You may have some pain at the injection site for a few days. You will be given painkillers for this.

Some people may experience a condition called post-embolization syndrome , which is a condition that causes symptoms such as fever, nausea, and vomiting. This usually gets better within a few days.

After returning home:

• Take a few days off and rest well. Avoid heavy lifting or heavy lifting.
• If you have a catheter inserted in your groin , don't go up and down stairs frequently.
• If you have a wrist sprain , stop doing strenuous activities like typing or writing for a few days.
• Keep the area where the sting occurred clean.

When to see your doctor again

If you experience any of the following symptoms , call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• A painful or rapidly growing lump near the site of the sting.
• Excessive bleeding from the puncture site.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Signs of infection (fever, redness and warmth at the treatment site).
• Redness and swelling in the leg or groin (may be a sign of a blood clot).
• Nausea and vomiting to the point of being unable to keep food and drink down.

Embolization, blood vessel occlusion, stopping bleeding, cancer treatment, catheter, interventional radiology, non-surgical treatment