Embolization is a procedure that is done to block one or more blood vessels. This is done by injecting a type of medicine or material (embolic agent) into an artery or vein through a long, flexible tube (catheter). The embolic agent stops blood flow through the artery or vein.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have. This includes allergies to medicines or contrast dyes.

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

• Any bleeding problems you have.

• Any surgeries you have had.

• Any medical conditions you have or have had, especially diabetes or kidney problems.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

What happens before the procedure?

When to stop eating and drinking

Follow instructions from your health care provider about what you may eat and drink before your procedure. These may include:

• 8 hours before your procedure

  • Stop eating most foods. Do not eat meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.

  • Eat only light foods, such as toast or crackers.

  • All liquids are okay except energy drinks and alcohol.

• 6 hours before your procedure

  • Stop eating.

  • Drink only clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, plain tea, and sports drinks.

  • Do not drink energy drinks or alcohol.

• 2 hours before your procedure

  • Stop drinking all liquids

  • You may be allowed to take medicines with small sips of water.

• If you do not follow your health care provider’s instructions, your procedure may be delayed or canceled.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will lie on a table.

• You will be connected to monitors that track your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, and pulse.

• An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.

• You will be given:

  • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).

  • A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).

  • A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).

• A needle will be inserted into one of the large blood vessels in your groin (femoral blood vessel).

• A catheter will be inserted into the needle and guided to the area that needs to be treated.

• Dye will be injected through the catheter, and X-rays will be taken. This helps to show the exact location of the blood vessels that are causing the problem.

• The embolic agent will then be injected through the catheter to the exact area of bleeding or abnormality.

• More X-rays will be taken to make sure the blood vessel has been blocked.

• The catheter will be removed, and pressure will be applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.

  • Sometimes, your doctor may use a closure device to seal the small hole in the femoral blood vessel.

• A bandage (dressing) will be applied.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.

• The puncture site will be monitored for bleeding.

• You will be given medicine to help relieve pain or nausea as needed.

• You will need to stay lying down until your health care provider says it is safe for you to get up.

• If you were given a sedative during the procedure, it can affect you for several hours. Do not drive or operate machinery until your health care provider says that it is safe.

Summary

• Embolization is a procedure that is done to block one or more blood vessels by injecting a type of medicine or synthetic material (embolic agent) into an artery or vein through a long, flexible tube (catheter).

• Before the procedure, ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your normal medicines and follow instructions about eating or drinking restrictions.

• During the procedure, dye will be injected through your IV, and X-rays will be taken. This helps to show the exact location of the blood vessels that are causing the problem.

• If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.

• If you were given a sedative during the procedure, it can affect you for several hours. Do not drive or operate machinery until your health care provider says that it is safe.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.