Embolization Therapy - Types, Benefits, and Risk Factors

Introduction:

Embolization therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that stops the blood flow in the surrounding area. It is a good way to stop bleeding. It inserts a catheter into the veins to place abnormal bleeding. There are four types of transarterial embolization: bland embolization, chemoembolization, portal vein embolization, and radioembolization.

How Does Embolization Therapy Work?

The embolization process is processed by placing a catheter into the veins, which then carries the embolic agent. The catheter transfers the embolic agent to the right place of infection to stop bleeding. The blood flow stops the embolism agent. The embolization procedure is less invasive than other surgeries and works directly in the area of infection with the least damage to surrounding areas.

• Cutting out the blood supply to a tumor.

• Corrections of abnormal connections between arteries and veins.

• Correcting a bulge that may be located in the blood vessel wall (aneurysm).

• Reducing the size of a tangled vein that is not straight. It helps to reduce pain and swelling.

• Prevention and control of abnormal bleeding.

What Are the Types of Embolization Therapy?

• Bland Embolization: The procedure is performed by placing tiny particles made of gelatine into the hepatic artery to obstruct the bleeding. This helps to block the blood flow to the tumors.

• Chemoembolization: Tiny gelatinous particles are mixed with chemotherapy drugs to treat the tumors and block off the blood supply.

• Portal Vein Embolization: This procedure prepares the liver for surgery. Instead of blocking the artery, metallic coils are infused into the portal vein, which blocks the tumors blood supply.

• Radioembolization: This procedure is performed by inserting small glass beads into the hepatic artery, which blocks the nutrition and blood supply to the tumors.

How Is the Process of Embolization Carried Out?

• The patient is asked to change and wear a surgical gown and administered mild to moderate sedation intravenously in the arm of the back of the hand. In some cases, general anesthesia may be required.

• The most common and straightforward insertion point into the vein is through the groin area. The skin around the area is cleaned and then sterilized, followed by a small cut in the area of the skin under local anesthesia.

• An imaging technique ensures the catheter is reached at the embolization site. Inserting a contrasting medium into the catheter allows a series of X-rays to trace the pictures of damaged or abnormally bleeding blood vessels. The contrast medium allows us to track the bleeding.

• Once the catheter is removed, pressure is applied to the incision site to stop the bleeding. A surgical dressing is applied, which keeps the insertion area clean with no visible stitches.

• Depending on the number of blood vessels to be corrected, the process may take 30 minutes to a few hours.

What Are Embolic Agents Used for Embolization?

Embolic agents are the materials that will create blockage in the infected blood vessels. The best agent is selected according to the type of infection and the blood vessels. The type of materials include:

• Small polymers spheres can permanently block the small blood vessels.

• Spongy materials may block the arteries and gradually dissolve themselves.

• Platinum coils or stainless steel permanently block the large vessels.

• Liquid glue.

• Clot-forming liquids. Chemotherapy medication.

What Are the Examinations Done Before the Embolisation Procedure?

Before starting the process of embolism, the doctor may ask and examine a few conditions, such as:

• Any recent illness is present in the body. Medications are taken, which may include herbal medicines as well.

• Pregnancy: in cases of pregnancy, extra precautions are taken as X-rays potentially harm unborn babies. The process can be performed but with minimal exposure to X-rays and anesthesia.

• Allergies: it is important to look for any allergies in the body as they may trigger during embolization.

• In some cases, the doctor may advise the withdrawal of some medicines and also ask to refrain from food and water one night before the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of the Embolization Process?

The process of embolization procedure is beneficial for parents because:

• The process is less invasive than other surgical procedures and takes less time in hospitals with minimal bleeding.

• The procedure effectively stops the bleeding at the site of the infection.

• The process is more accessible to places where surgeries can not stop the bleeding.

• There is less damage to the tissues as there is only one incision through which the catheter inserts.

What Are the Risk Factors for Embolization Procedures?

• Damage to any blood vessel due to the catheter, infections, or bruising.

• There are chances of kidney damage by the contrast fluid due to any underlying disease.

• Allergic reactions might happen to the contrast fluids.

What Are the Side Effects of the Embolization Procedure?

• Sometimes during the procedure, the patient may feel discomfort but not pain. Patients may also have some bruising or uncomfortable sensations due to anesthesia.

• Some people may experience pain and headache after surgery which may subside gradually.

Conclusion:

Embolization is a therapy to block the blood vessels in the body where there is an infection or tumor. It is a minimally invasive technique with less bleeding and a single incision.