Embolization is the targeted blockage of blood vessels through the introduction of vaso-blocking agents. This allows bleeding to be stopped and the blood supply to a tumor to be cut off. Embolization is therefore used in various areas. The vascular occlusion can be temporary or permanent.
You can find out more about the various procedures and areas of application below.
Embolization involves injecting special active substances (medical embolisates) into blood vessels, thereby sealing them from the inside. Embolization can be used to stop bleeding and shrink tumours without surgery.
Specifically
as embolisate. The use of alcohol-containing liquids is also referred to as chemoembolization.
The injected embolizate is carried along with the blood flow and then gets stuck. As a result, these vessels (usually arteries) are sealed or clogged and bleeding is stopped.
Embolization can also be used to stop the blood flow to diseased tissue (e.g. tumours). This causes the tissue to die.
In addition, embolization can reduce blood loss during the surgical removal of a tumour with a good blood supply. To do this, the blood vessels supplying the tumor must be closed off in advance.
Embolization can be used for the following diseases:
Embolization can be used to heal fistulas and benign uterine tumours (uterine fibroids). Here, embolization is a treatment measure in its own right.
For most cancers and vascular malformations, embolization is a component of a comprehensive treatment concept. Here, embolization is generally used to
Similar to normal tissue, cancerous tumors also need nutrients and oxygen. They are supplied with these via the blood vessels. As cancer cells divide particularly quickly, they are dependent on a very good blood supply. By blocking the supplying vessels using embolization, the tumour is cut off from the blood and thus nutrient supply.
The cancer cells are "starved" in this way. This leads to a growth arrest and possibly to a significant reduction in the size of the cancerous tumor. Complaints caused by the spread of the tumor are reduced.
Not every tumour is amenable to embolization. Embolization can be performed primarily for the following types of cancer
In addition, embolization shows promising results in certain forms of benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia). However, the treatment is still classified as experimental and is only recommended in the context of studies.
Aneurysms are dilations or bulges in the walls of blood vessels. They can burst and then cause life-threatening bleeding (e.g. in the brain). Aneurysms of the cerebral arteries (so-called cerebral aneurysms) also have a high surgical risk.
Doctors are also increasingly treating aneurysms with metal coils as part of an embolization procedure. Embolization has proven to be particularly effective for cerebral aneurysms that are difficult to treat surgically.
Vascular occlusion measures can also be used for acute bleeding in the nasopharynx as a result of
to stop the bleeding temporarily or, if necessary, permanently.
Embolization is performed
performed. In catheter embolization, the inguinal artery is punctured with a cannula under local anaesthetic. A guide wire and then a catheter are then inserted under X-ray control and advanced to the blood vessel that is to be occluded.
The catheter is then used to insert the embolization agent, which is intended to temporarily or permanently block the blood flow. Finally, a control image is taken and the catheter is then removed.
In a direct puncture, the vessel to be blocked is punctured directly with a hollow needle. The physician then injects the blocking substances or particles directly via the hollow needle.
A special form of embolization is known as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). It is used for liver cancer and liver metastases. In this procedure, the blood supply to the cancerous tumor is blocked after it has been exposed to local chemotherapy.
In conventional chemotherapy, the cancer drug (known as a cytostatic drug) is administered orally or via a vein in the arm. It is then distributed throughout the body.
In chemoembolization, the drug is injected directly into the area of the cancerous tumour. Because the tumor is separated from the rest of the bloodstream, the drug can have a longer effect on the cancer cells. It is not flushed away via the circulatory system. As a result, it accumulates in the cancer cells and kills them effectively.
Embolization can be used to keep the active ingredient of chemotherapy in a specific part of the vascular system, such as here in the liver © samunella | AdobeStock
As with all invasive treatment measures, embolization can also lead to complications or side effects. These are primarily caused by the spread of the introduced substances and their effects on other organs. The use of catheters can lead to bleeding or bruising, among other things.
A so-called post-embolization syndrome is frequently observed. This is characterized by flu-like symptomssuch as
and is easily treatable with medication. Local pain can also occur during the procedure, which can be alleviated with appropriate painkillers.
In addition, women who wish to have children are sometimes advised against uterine cancer embolization. The long-term effects of this still novel treatment approach have not yet been clearly clarified. Damage to healthy areas of the uterus can therefore not be completely ruled out.
Following the treatment, 24 hours of bed rest is required. If another surgical procedure is planned, this will take place shortly after embolization.
Chemoembolization often has to be repeated at regular intervals in order to achieve the planned therapeutic goal.
In the case of cancer, regular follow-up checks must be carried out after embolization using imaging procedures such as
take place.
The results of some cancers (including benign uterine cancer) can be seen as early as 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. Doctors can then check whether the treated cancerous tumor has been destroyed.
The destruction of the cancer cells can be recognized by the fact that blood flow can no longer be detected (so-called devascularization).
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
