What is an Embolization?
Embolization is a minimally invasive treatment performed by an Interventional Radiologist to intentionally block or reduce blood flow in a specific blood vessel. It is used to treat various conditions, including tumors, bleeding, or abnormal vessel connections (malformations).
The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery (usually in the groin or wrist). Guided by advanced X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), the catheter is steered to the target vessel. Once in place, the doctor injects a specialized material (the embolic agent), such as tiny particles, medical glue, or metallic coils, to stop the blood flow.
Key Benefits (Why is this procedure needed?)
Embolization is often preferred over traditional open surgery due to its minimally invasive nature, leading to shorter recovery times and less blood loss.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimally Invasive | Only requires a tiny puncture, resulting in less trauma, minimal scarring, and a significantly faster recovery compared to open surgery. |
| Effective Bleeding Control | Provides rapid and effective control of abnormal or excessive bleeding, which can be critical in emergency situations (e.g., trauma). |
| Tumor/Fibroid Reduction | By cutting off the blood supply, the procedure can effectively “starve” tumors, abnormal growths, or uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink. |
| Pre-Surgical Prep | Can be performed before major surgery to reduce blood loss during the subsequent operation, making the surgery safer. |
Understanding the Risks and Potential Complications
Embolization is a safe, routine procedure, but like any invasive treatment, it carries risks. Your interventional radiology team will review all risks specific to your clinical situation before proceeding.
General Complication Rates
| Complication Type | Incidence (Likelihood) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (Expected) | High (Common) | Bruising, mild pain, or swelling (hematoma) at the catheter insertion site. This usually resolves within a few days to weeks. |
| Post-Embolization Syndrome (PES) | Frequent (Up to 40%−50%) | A temporary, flu-like condition common after larger tissue embolizations (e.g., liver, uterus). Symptoms include fever, malaise, and pain/cramping, usually treated effectively with medication. |
| Allergic Reaction to Dye | Uncommon (<1 in 100 people) | Mild reactions (itching) are rare. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare. |
| Major Complications | Low (Approx. 1%−3%) | The overall rate of major, procedure-related events requiring intervention (excluding PES) is very low. |
Specific and Serious Risks
| Complication Type | Incidence (Likelihood) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Target Embolization | Rare (<3%) | The embolic material may inadvertently travel to a healthy blood vessel, potentially causing localized tissue damage, stroke (for head/neck procedures), or blindness. |
| Vascular Damage/Bleeding | Rare (<1%) | Damage to the vessel wall during catheter insertion or significant bleeding that requires local repair. |
| Infection | Very Rare (<0.1%) | Infection at the puncture site or in the treated area, sometimes requiring antibiotic treatment or, rarely, further surgery. |
| Kidney Damage (Nephropathy) | Low (0%−0.5% in healthy kidneys) | The contrast dye can temporarily affect kidney function. The risk is higher for patients with pre-existing kidney disease or diabetes. |
Sources
- Society of Interventional Radiology. “Embolization.” Society of Interventional Radiology, 2023. Accessed October 1, 2025.
- AJR. “Complication Rates and Effectiveness of Uterine Artery Embolization in the Treatment of Symptomatic Leiomyomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” AJR American Journal of Roentgenology, 2013.
- National Institutes of Health. “Complications of Embolization.” PMC – PubMed Central, 2010.