Hypervascular Tumor Embolization

Embolization is the intentional blockage of an artery or vein that flows to a tumor. Because there is no flow of blood, the tumor is deprived of food and nutrients and it will shrink. The product used to embolize the tumor is referred to as an embolic.

During the procedure your physician will insert a small catheter (a flexible tube) into your femoral artery. You may feel slight pressure when the catheter is inserted.

Your physician will move the catheter as close as possible to the area of the tumor, using x-ray to pinpoint the location of the tumor and to guide the movement of the catheter. Once the catheter is in place, contrast (IV dye) is injected and x-rays of the arteries are taken. The embolic is deposited through the catheter into the specific blood vessel that will stop the flow of blood to the tumor. 

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure compared to open surgery. As a result, there is less blood loss, fewer complications, no obvious incision site and the hospital stay is much shorter.