TREATMENT

Embolization

IMAGE-GUIDED VASCULAR PROCEDURE

Embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to intentionally block blood flow to a targeted area. It may be used to control bleeding, treat abnormal vessels, reduce blood supply to certain growths, or support other interventional treatments.
  • Blocks targeted blood flow
  • Uses catheter guidance
  • Treats selected conditions
  • Minimally invasive approach
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Embolization uses a catheter to deliver tiny particles, coils, or other materials that block blood flow to a specific vessel or treatment area.

The procedure is planned with imaging and tailored to the condition being treated. Embolization may be used for bleeding, abnormal blood vessels, fibroids, pelvic congestion, varicocele, tumors, and other selected conditions.

WHAT IS EMBOLIZATION?

Embolization is an image-guided procedure that blocks blood flow to a specific area of the body. A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the target site, where embolic materials are delivered to slow or stop flow.

Different materials may be used depending on the goal of treatment, including particles, coils, plugs, or liquid agents. The purpose may be to stop bleeding, close abnormal vessels, reduce blood supply to a growth, or relieve symptoms caused by abnormal circulation.

Embolization is not one single treatment for one condition. It is a technique used in several interventional radiology and vascular procedures, and the details depend on the anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment goal.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Targeted vessel problem
  • Bleeding concern
  • Abnormal blood flow
  • Growth needing flow control
  • Minimally invasive option
A full evaluation helps determine whether embolization is appropriate based on symptoms, diagnosis, imaging findings, blood flow pattern, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Embolization may be considered for several conditions where reducing or stopping blood flow to a targeted vessel or treatment area may help.

Abnormal Bleeding

Targeted vessel blocking may help control selected bleeding problems when appropriate.

Uterine Fibroids

Reducing blood supply to fibroids may help shrink them and improve symptoms in selected patients.

Pelvic Venous Conditions

Abnormal pelvic vein flow may be treated with targeted embolization techniques.

Tumor Blood Supply

Some tumors may be treated by reducing blood flow or delivering therapy through blood vessels.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Targets specific vessels
  • May control bleeding
  • Can reduce symptoms
  • Avoids large incision
  • Uses image guidance
Benefits depend on the condition, vessel anatomy, embolic material, treatment goal, and follow-up care.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Embolization is performed with imaging guidance. A catheter is guided to the target vessel, and embolic material is delivered to reduce or block blood flow.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Imaging is reviewed
  • Medications are checked
  • Treatment goal is confirmed

During the Procedure

  • A catheter is placed
  • Target vessels are mapped
  • Flow is blocked

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Monitoring may continue
  • Symptoms are tracked
  • Follow-up may be needed

Risks / Considerations

  • Bleeding can occur
  • Pain may occur
  • Non-target flow is possible

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Embolization is a technique used across several condition-specific treatments. The right approach depends on the diagnosis and the vessel being treated.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

A targeted treatment that reduces blood flow to fibroids to help improve symptoms.

Varicocele Embolization

A minimally invasive procedure used to block abnormal veins contributing to a varicocele.

Frequently Asked Questions

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to a targeted vessel or treatment area using materials delivered through a catheter.
It may be used to control bleeding, treat abnormal vessels, reduce blood supply to fibroids or tumors, or manage selected vein and vascular conditions.
Embolization is usually minimally invasive and performed through a small catheter access point rather than a large open incision.
Depending on the treatment goal, embolization may use particles, coils, plugs, liquid agents, or other specialized materials.
Risks may include bleeding, bruising, pain, infection, vessel injury, non-target embolization, incomplete treatment, or need for additional care.
Treatment planning depends on imaging findings, vessel anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, medications, and overall health.

Locations

LVVIS offers vascular evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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