We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Embolization?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 17,373
Share

Embolization is a medical procedure which is designed to block a blood vessel, making it impossible for blood to continue flowing down that vessel. This procedure is used to treat several types of medical conditions, and there are a number of techniques which can be utilized in embolization, depending on the patient, the situation, and the preference of the doctor performing the procedure. This procedure is classically performed under the supervision of an interventional radiologist in a hospital environment, and it may be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

In embolization procedures, something is introduced to a blood vessel to occlude the blood flow. This can be a physical barrier, such as a small coil, viscous chemical, or inflatable balloon. Embolization can also be performed with the use of various drugs and medications. In order for the procedure to work, the barrier must be placed precisely so that it will effectively block the vessel, and so that it is in the correct vessel.

Visualization of the site is critical, which is why the services of an interventional radiologist are used. This medical professional uses medical imaging machines and contrast agents to create a picture of what is going on inside the body so that the catheter can be guided to the precise area which requires embolization, and when the procedure is over, medical imaging is used to confirm that it was done properly.

This technique is sometimes used to manage growths like tumors and fibroids, by cutting off the blood supply so that the growth cannot continue to grow. It is also used to treat aneurysms, dangerous weakening of the walls of blood vessels which can rupture, causing internal bleeding. Certain types of hemorrhage may also be treated with the use of embolization to stop the flow of blood to the area.

For this minimally invasive procedure, the patient is usually sedated so that he or she does not move, disrupting the position of the catheter. The patient will usually need to wear a hospital gown for easy access, and monitors will be used to confirm that the patient's blood pressure and heart rate remain stable during the procedure. This procedure is done in a hospital so that if there is a complication, the patient has rapid access to medical care.

When this procedure is recommended, the patient may want to ask about specific directions on preparation, because different embolization procedures may require additional steps to prepare. They may also want to ask about alternatives, and the likelihood that the procedure will be successful.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-embolization.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.