Minimally invasive treatments that intentionally block certain blood vessels to reduce pain, shrink abnormal tissue, or improve function. These procedures are done through a tiny catheter with just local anesthesia, offering targeted relief without open surgery. We perform several types of embolization, grouped in two main categories:
Pelvic and Reproductive Embolization
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
A non-surgical treatment for men with benign prostate enlargement (BPH) causing urinary symptoms. By blocking the blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, it shrinks the gland’s size, relieving urinary difficulties while preserving sexual function. This outpatient procedure is an effective alternative to prostate surgery.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
A common minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy for women with uterine fibroids causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure. We block the arteries feeding the fibroids, causing them to shrink. Most patients experience significant relief of symptoms within weeks, and importantly, the uterus is preserved.
Pelvic Vein Embolization
Relief for women suffering chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic congestion syndrome (caused by enlarged, varicose veins in the pelvis). We seal off the dilated ovarian and pelvic veins that are causing pain, which reduces the daily aching and pressure and improves quality of life.
Periprostatic Vein Embolization
A treatment for venogenic erectile dysfunction (ED caused by leaky veins in the pelvis). This procedure closes off the small veins that are draining blood too quickly from the penis during an erection. By stopping these leaks, it helps improve the rigidity and duration of erections in men who have this specific cause of ED.
Varicocele Embolization
A no-incision treatment for varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) which can cause dull pain or contribute to male infertility. Through a tiny catheter, we block the blood flow in the problem veins, relieving scrotal discomfort and often improving fertility without the need for open surgery.
Embolization for Musculoskeletal Pain
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
An innovative, non-surgical therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain. It works by blocking the tiny inflamed blood vessels in the lining of the knee that contribute to pain and swelling. GAE can significantly reduce knee pain and stiffness, offering relief for patients who want to postpone or avoid knee surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization
A new treatment for chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis) that has not improved with conservative measures like rest, orthotics, or injections. This procedure targets and blocks the small abnormal blood vessels in the heel that drive chronic inflammation, providing long-term pain relief and helping patients get back on their feet without invasive surgery.
Tennis Elbow Embolization
A novel option for persistent lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) that doesn’t respond to therapy or steroid injections. We embolize (block) the neovessels — tiny new blood vessels that grow with chronic tendon inflammation — around the elbow. By doing so, we reduce inflammation and pain, allowing the tendon to heal and restoring arm function.
Shoulder Embolization
A cutting-edge treatment for adhesive capsulitis, better known as frozen shoulder. By blocking specific inflamed vessels in the shoulder joint, this procedure reduces pain and inflammation, helping to gradually restore mobility. It’s a less common but powerful option for patients who have not found relief with physical therapy or injections.
