What is renal artery embolization?

Embolization – Kidney. Embolization is a minimally invasive treatment, which is usually used to treat benign (non-cancerous) masses in the kidney. To embolize means to block an artery or vein. During an embolization procedure, small particles are injected through a catheter into a mass.

Why is renal artery embolization done?

Renal artery embolization is a technique by which arterial blood flow can either be decreased or completely terminated to prepare a patient with a renal neoplasm more safely for surgical resection (as in the case of renal cell carcinoma) or even treat and prevent life-threatening hemorrhage therapeutically (as in the …

What happens after kidney embolization?

Most patients leave the hospital within 24 hours of the procedure, but those who have considerable pain may have to stay longer. You should be able to resume your normal activities within a week. If you feel any discomfort, request an ice pack to be applied to the puncture site.

Is kidney embolization safe?

Renal artery embolization is considered a safe procedure, with a relatively low complication rate. The most common occurrence is the postembolization syndrome that affects over 90% of patients.

How long does kidney embolization take?

The embolisation ‘agent’ is then injected through the catheter into the selected blood vessel, blocking the blood supply to the area of the kidney that is to be embolised. This procedure can take up to three hours and medications for relaxation and pain relief are given during this time.

What is embolization procedure?

Listen to pronunciation. (EM-boh-lih-ZAY-shun) A procedure that uses particles, such as tiny gelatin sponges or beads, to block a blood vessel. Embolization may be used to stop bleeding or to block the flow of blood to a tumor or abnormal area of tissue.

How long does an embolization take?

See the Embolization of Brain Aneurysms and AVMs/Fistulas page for more information. You can expect to stay in bed for six to eight hours after your procedure. The length of the procedure varies from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the complexity of the condition.

How long does a kidney embolization take?

How is arterial embolization done?

During arterial embolization, a small incision (cut) is made in the inner thigh and a catheter (thin, flexible tube) is inserted and guided into an artery near the tumor or abnormal tissue. Once the catheter is in place, small particles made of tiny gelatin sponges or beads are injected.

Is embolization a risk?

These risks include damage to the blood vessel, bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, and infection. The doctor will take precautions to mitigate these risks. There is always a chance that an embolic agent can lodge in the wrong place and deprive normal tissue of its oxygen supply.

What are side effects of embolization?

What are the risks of a uterine artery embolization?

• Abnormal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Injury to the uterus.
• Infection of the uterus or the puncture site in the groin.
• Collection of blood under the skin (hematoma) at the puncture site in the groin.
• Injury to the artery being used.
• Blood clots.
• Infertility.