Name of the Procedure:

Embolization Protective System
Common name(s): Embolization
Technical term: Embolization Protective System (C1884)

Summary

Embolization is a medical procedure used to block blood flow to a particular area of the body. This is often done to treat aneurysms, certain types of tumors, or abnormal blood vessels. An embolization protective system is a specialized tool used during the procedure to prevent unintended particles from traveling through the bloodstream and causing complications.

Purpose

The primary goal of embolization is to reduce or stop blood flow to an area that is causing medical problems. This can help:

• Shrink tumors by cutting off their blood supply.
• Prevent hemorrhaging in cases of aneurysms or vascular malformations.
• Reduce symptoms caused by abnormal blood vessels.

Indications

Indications for embolization include:

• Aneurysms
• Vascular malformations
• Certain types of cancers and tumors
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Uterine fibroids

Patient criteria making the procedure appropriate include the type and location of the condition, overall health, and whether other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Preparation

Patients should follow these pre-procedure instructions:

• Fast for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Adjust or stop certain medications as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Undergo diagnostic tests like blood tests, imaging studies (e.g., CT scans, MRIs), and possibly an angiogram.

Procedure Description

1. An IV line is placed to administer medications and fluids.
2. Local anesthesia is applied to the entry site, usually the groin.
3. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the target site using imaging techniques.
4. The embolization protective system is deployed to capture and remove any unintended particles.
5. Embolic agents (e.g., coils, particles, liquids) are then injected to block blood flow.
6. The protective device and catheter are carefully removed.

Tools/equipment: Catheter, embolic agents, protective system. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia, sedation if needed.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1-3 hours, depending on complexity.

Setting

Embolization is performed in a hospital, usually in the Interventional Radiology suite.

Personnel

• Interventional Radiologist or Vascular Surgeon
• Radiology Technologists
• Nurses
• Possibly an Anesthesiologist

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Bruising at the insertion site
• Mild pain or discomfort

Rare but serious risks:

• Infection
• Vessel damage
• Allergic reaction to contrast dye
• Non-target embolization causing damage to healthy tissues

Benefits

Expected benefits include relief from symptoms caused by the targeted condition, such as reduced pain, bleeding, or tumor size. Benefits may be seen immediately or within a few weeks.

Recovery

Post-procedure care includes:

• Staying in the hospital for observation for a few hours to overnight.
• Keeping the insertion site clean and dry.
• Avoiding strenuous activities for a few days.
• Following up with imaging studies to ensure success.

Expected recovery time: Several days to a week. Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare team. Follow-up: Regular appointments to monitor progress.

Alternatives

Alternative treatments may include:

• Surgery (more invasive but direct).
• Medication (less invasive but may be less effective).
• Radiation therapy for certain cancers (effective for some but not all conditions).

Pros and cons should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients might feel pressure or discomfort at the catheter insertion site. Post-procedure, mild pain or bruising is common. Pain management includes prescribed analgesics and comfort measures like rest and elevation of the affected limb. Overall, the experience aims to be minimally invasive with manageable discomfort.