Internal bleeding, aneurysms, abnormal blood vessels, gastrointestinal bleeding, vascular malformations (Arteriovenous malformations, Venous and Lymphatic Malformations)
Embolization procedures allow blockage of blood vessels without invasive surgery. Embolization can be used to stop arterial bleeding, and can also be used to block blood vessels for other reasons, such as to treat tumors, shrink vascular malformations, or re-direct flow.
An interventional radiologist accesses the femoral artery at the groin. Small catheters and wires are used to navigate into the chosen artery, confirmed with angiography. An occluding substance can then be injected, or small coils can be placed into the artery to block the vessel.
Conscious sedation
Bleeding, infection, non-target embolization (blockage of an artery other than the one intended)
Two to six hours of bed rest
Depends on the clinical situation
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our IR physicians, please call 310-481-7545.