Embolization Procedure

Highlights

• Embolization procedures offer non-surgical relief for knee pain, heel pain, and fibroids with minimal downtime.
• GAE targets knee inflammation from osteoarthritis, helping patients avoid knee replacement surgery.
• PFE reduces chronic heel pain by decreasing blood flow to inflamed plantar fascia tissue.
• UFE shrinks uterine fibroids naturally while preserving the uterus and avoiding hysterectomy.
• Texas Vascular Institute uses advanced imaging technology to deliver precise, patient-centered embolization treatments.

Pain shouldn’t control your life. Whether it’s the daily struggle of climbing stairs with aching knees, the sharp stab of heel pain with every step, or the heavy bleeding and discomfort from uterine fibroids – chronic conditions have a way of taking over.

For years, many of these issues meant facing invasive surgery, lengthy recovery times, and uncertain outcomes. But what if there was another option?

Embolization procedures are changing the way we treat chronic pain and conditions like knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and uterine fibroids. These minimally invasive treatments target the root cause of your symptoms without the need for traditional surgery, offering relief with faster recovery and less risk.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what embolization is, how it works, and which conditions it can help treat so you can make an informed decision about your care.

What Is Embolization?

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to specific areas causing inflammation and pain. By cutting off the blood supply to problem areas, embolization helps reduce symptoms, shrink growths, and promote healing – all without traditional surgery.

How Embolization Works

The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging technology. Here’s how it works:

Benefits of Embolization Procedures

1. Non-surgical: No large incisions, no general anesthesia, and no lengthy hospital stays.
2. Outpatient procedure: Patients go home the same day.
3. Minimal recovery time: Return to normal activities much faster than with traditional surgery.
4. Lower risk: No incisions and no general anesthesia = fewer complications compared to invasive surgical options.
5. Targeted treatment: Precisely addresses the source of your symptoms without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.

Now let’s look at the specific embolization procedures that are transforming treatment for knee pain, heel pain, and uterine fibroids.

Types of Embolization Procedures

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) – Non-Surgical Knee Pain Relief

If you’ve been living with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis, you know how it limits everything – from walking and exercising to simply getting through your day without discomfort.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a groundbreaking treatment that targets the inflammation driving your knee pain, offering relief without the need for knee replacement surgery.

How GAE Works

Knee osteoarthritis causes inflammation in the lining of your joint, which creates pain and stiffness. GAE blocks the tiny blood vessels feeding this inflamed tissue, reducing both the inflammation and the pain signals it generates.

During the procedure, your interventional radiologist uses real-time imaging to guide a catheter to the genicular arteries around your knee. Small embolic particles are then released to reduce blood flow to the inflamed areas.

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE) – Non-Surgical Heel Pain Treatment

Chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis can make every step feel like walking on broken glass. When stretching, orthotics, and other conservative treatments haven’t worked, you might think surgery is your only option.

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE) offers a less invasive alternative that targets the root cause of your pain.

How PFE Works

Chronic plantar fasciitis involves persistent inflammation in the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) running along the bottom of your foot. This inflammation is fed by tiny blood vessels that keep the cycle of pain going.

PFE reduces blood flow to these inflamed areas, breaking the cycle and allowing your body to heal. Using the same minimally invasive approach as other embolization procedures, your doctor guides a catheter to the small arteries feeding the plantar fascia and delivers embolic particles to reduce inflammation.

Benefits of PFE

• Reduced inflammation: Less blood flow means less inflammatory response and decreased pain.
• Faster recovery than surgery: Most patients experience significantly less downtime than with traditional plantar fasciitis surgery.
• Return to activity: Get back to walking, running, and daily activities without constant heel pain.
• High success rate: Studies show promising results for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant plantar fasciitis.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) – Fibroid Treatment Without Surgery

Uterine fibroids affect millions of women, causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and pain that disrupts daily life. For years, hysterectomy was considered the definitive solution – but it’s not the only one.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a proven, minimally invasive treatment that shrinks fibroids and relieves symptoms while preserving your uterus.

How UFE Works

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that depend on blood supply to survive and grow. UFE blocks the arteries feeding these fibroids, cutting off their blood supply and causing them to shrink naturally over time.

During the procedure, your interventional radiologist accesses the uterine arteries through a small catheter and delivers embolic particles that block blood flow specifically to the fibroids. The surrounding healthy uterine tissue maintains its normal blood supply.

Why Choose Embolization at Texas Vascular Institute

When it comes to minimally invasive embolization and interventional radiology procedures, expertise and experience matter.

Board-Certified Interventional Radiologists

At Texas Vascular Institute, our team of board-certified interventional radiologists specializes in image-guided procedures that offer alternatives to traditional surgery. Dr. Dev Batra and our experienced physicians have performed thousands of embolization procedures with consistently positive outcomes.

State-of-the-Art Technology

We use the latest imaging technology and minimally invasive tools to ensure precision and safety during every procedure. Our advanced equipment allows us to visualize blood vessels in real-time, delivering treatment exactly where it’s needed while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

Convenient Locations

With offices in Dallas, Hurst, and Plano, Texas Vascular Institute makes it easy to access world-class vascular treatments without traveling far from home.

Patient-Centered Care

We understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we create personalized treatment plans based on your specific condition, symptoms, and goals. From your initial consultation through recovery and follow-up, we’re with you every step of the way.

FAQs About Embolization

How long does an embolization procedure take?

Most embolization procedures take 45-90 minutes, depending on the complexity and type of treatment. You’ll spend additional time in preparation and recovery, but patients go home the same day.

Is embolization painful?

The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. Some patients experience mild discomfort or soreness afterward, which typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

How soon will I see results?

Results vary by procedure type. GAE and PFE patients often notice pain improvement within 2-4 weeks, with continued improvement over several months. UFE patients typically see symptom relief within 2-3 months as fibroids shrink.

What’s the recovery time for embolization?

Most patients return to light activities within a few days and normal activities within 1-2 weeks. This is significantly faster than traditional surgery, which may require 6-8 weeks of recovery.

Are embolization procedures covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover embolization procedures, including GAE, PFE, and UFE. Our team will work with your insurance provider to verify coverage and discuss your options during your consultation. See the complete list of insurance providers we accept.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Embolization procedures like GAE, PFE, and UFE are transforming how we treat chronic knee pain, heel pain, and uterine fibroids. These minimally invasive treatments offer real relief with less risk, faster recovery, and better outcomes than many traditional surgical options.

If you’re struggling with knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, or fibroid symptoms and want to explore pain relief without surgery, Texas Vascular Institute can help.

Schedule a consultation to discuss whether embolization is right for you. Our team will evaluate your condition, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you get back to living your life – without pain holding you back.

Ready to refer a patient? Healthcare providers can submit a referral online or contact our office directly.