Health Library

Embolization

What is the Purpose of an Embolization?

Embolization is used to treat a variety of malformations. To prevent bleeding, patients may need embolization before surgical removal of the malformation or debulking of overgrown tissue.

When lesions are large and surgery is not possible, embolization may help to improve quality of life. It can help to reduce problems caused by the lesion. Certain malformations may need more than one treatment to completely block the abnormal vessels. Treatments are spaced several months apart. Long-term follow up and evaluation are required.

What Should I Expect Before an Embolization Procedure?

Your child's procedure will be scheduled by the interventional radiology department.

The doctor will talk about the procedure with you. They will answer any questions that you may have during a clinic visit. The nurse will give you instructions for the day of the procedure. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. You will be given instructions to have your child stop eating and drinking several hours before the procedure.

You will be able to stay with your child until just before the procedure starts. You will be shown to the surgical waiting area while your child is in the procedure.

What Happens During an Embolization Procedure?

A doctor places a tiny plastic tube (catheter) through a large blood vessel. This is usually done in a blood vessel of the leg. The doctor places the tip of the catheter in the problematic blood vessel. They inject special medication (medical glue) or use heat (thermal ablation) to stop or decrease the blood flow in these vascular malformations.

X-rays are taken during the procedure. When the procedure is done, the catheter is removed. Pressure is placed on the catheter site to prevent bleeding. The length of the procedure depends on the size and location of the malformation. Your child will receive general anesthesia (medicine to make them go to sleep) for the procedure. They will not feel any pain during the procedure.

What Happens After an Embolization Procedure?

As your child begins to wake up from the anesthesia, they will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Your child may be admitted to the hospital after the procedure is complete. The doctor will talk to you about the results when the procedure is complete.

What Should I Expect After Discharge from the Hospital?

Your child may have mild discomfort or pain and / or swelling at the catheter site. Instructions will be given to you before discharge. These will include what to expect after the procedure and phone numbers to call in case of concerns. You may be given a prescription for medicine to help control your child’s pain or to decrease swelling. The interventional radiologist might request an Interventional Radiology (IR) Clinic follow up one week and four weeks after the procedure.

What limitations do I or my child have after embolization?

Heavy lifting and contact sports should not happen for several weeks after the procedure. Your doctor will let you know more about limitations on bathing and regular activities when you leave the hospital.

What are the Possible Complications of an Embolization?

Embolization is a safe and effective procedure. Most patients do not have problems or serious side effects. Bleeding or bruising can occur at the catheter site. Clotting of a normal blood vessel or damage to normal tissue could potentially happen.

When should I call the doctor?

Contact your child’s doctor if your child has any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding from the catheter site. If this happens, have your child lie flat and apply pressure to the site.
• Swelling, redness or severe pain at the catheter site
• Color changes in the leg or foot
• Numbness or loss of feeling in the leg
• A fever higher than 101° F rectally or orally, or higher than 100° F under the arm
• If you have any questions or concerns