Catheter Embolization

Embolization is a procedure to purposely block a blood vessel. This is often done for one of two reasons: to stop severe bleeding or to block blood flow to a part of the body. The procedure is done through a catheter (long, thin, flexible tube) placed into a blood vessel through a small incision. The procedure is often done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.

Why Catheter Embolization Is Done

This procedure may be used alone or together with surgery or another treatment. Some reasons why the procedure may be done include:

• To control bleeding in an emergency

• To block blood flow to a cancerous tumor

• To block blood flow to a uterine fibroid

• To treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain and body

Preparing for the Procedure

You will be told how to prepare for your procedure. Follow these instructions carefully.

• Do not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the procedure.

• Tell your radiologist what medications, herbs, or supplements you take; if you are, or may be, pregnant; or if you are allergic to contrast medium (x-ray dye) or other medications.

During the Procedure

• Before the procedure begins, you will be given a sedative to help you relax. In certain cases, general anesthesia will be given so you sleep through the procedure. A local anesthetic is given to keep you from feeling pain at the site where the catheter will be inserted.

• A very small incision is made over the insertion site (usually in the groin). A catheter is inserted into the blood vessel and moved to the area to be treated.

• Contrast medium is injected through the catheter. This helps the artery and catheter stand out on x-ray pictures. The movement of the catheter is then watched on a video monitor.

• Material or medication that blocks the blood vessel is passed through the catheter to the treatment site.

• The procedure is repeated in each blood vessel to be blocked.

• When the procedure is finished, the catheter is removed. Pressure is put on the insertion site for 15 minutes to prevent bleeding.

After the Procedure

You will need to lie flat with your leg straight for several hours. You may go home the same day or remain in the hospital or surgery center 24 hours or longer, depending upon your procedure. Follow the instructions you are given for what to do after you go home.