Understanding Embolization Procedures: Minimally Invasive Treatments for Various Medical Conditions
Embolization procedures are minimally invasive treatments that have become increasingly popular in recent years for their effectiveness in treating a variety of medical conditions. These procedures involve the use of tiny particles, coils or other materials to block blood vessels, which can help to control bleeding, shrink tumours, or eliminate abnormal blood vessels. At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), our experienced team of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR) specialists offer several types of embolization procedures for the treatment of various medical conditions. We outline here the different types of embolization procedures available at SJMC and their benefits.
Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, post-partum bleeding, cancers, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the uterus. The procedure involves the injection of tiny particles into the uterine artery, which blocks blood flow to the fibroids or abnormal blood vessels. UAE is an effective alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy for treating fibroids and has a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
Benefits
Shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery
Low risk of complications and minimal scarring
Preserves the uterus for future pregnancy
Embolization for Bleeding Disorders
Embolization is also used to treat bleeding disorders, such as gastrointestinal, kidney, post-operative bleeding, ruptured tumours, or AVMs. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the bleeding vessel and embolic agents are injected to block blood flow, which allows the blood to clot and stop the bleeding. This technique is especially useful for patients who are not good candidates for surgery or when surgery is not feasible.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Shorter hospital stay compared to surgery
- Reduced risk of complications and mortality
- High success rate in stopping bleeding
Embolization for Trauma
Embolization can also treat traumatic injuries, such as pelvic fractures, liver lacerations, and vascular injuries. During the procedure, the bleeding vessel is identified, and embolic agents are injected to block the blood flow, which allows the blood to clot and stop the bleeding. This technique is especially useful for patients who are not good candidates for surgery or when surgery is not feasible.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Shorter hospital stay compared to surgery
- Reduced risk of complications and mortality
- High success rate in stopping bleeding
Embolization of AVM, Venous Malformation, AV Fistula, Lymphangioma
Embolization also treats arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), venous malformations, AV fistulae, and lymphangiomas. During the procedure, tiny particles or other embolic agents are injected into the abnormal blood vessels, blocking blood flow and causing the abnormal vessels to shrink or disappear. This technique is especially useful for patients with AVMs or other vascular malformations not amenable to surgery.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Shorter recovery time compared to surgery
- Reduced risk of complications and mortality
- High success rate in stopping bleeding
With our team of experienced VIR specialists and state-of-the-art facilities, SJMC is committed to providing comprehensive care for patients with various medical conditions.
If you or a loved one requires any of the VIR procedures discussed in this article, contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards improving your health and quality of life.