Embolization Treatment

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a range of conditions by blocking abnormal blood flow to a specific area of the body. At Dakota Vascular, we offer embolization treatment for chronic knee, hip, and shoulder pain, plantar fasciitis, internal hemorrhoids, and uterine fibroids, giving patients another path forward when conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief.

These conditions can feel like separate concerns, but they share a common cause: abnormal blood flow contributing to pain, inflammation, or growth. One minimally invasive procedure, performed through a tiny incision and a catheter, may be able to help with several of them.

What Is Embolization?

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that works by blocking abnormal blood flow to a specific area. A physician uses a tiny incision and a catheter to target the source of your symptoms directly, without major surgery.

There is no hospital stay. Most patients return to normal activities within one to three days. Because the procedure targets the source of the problem rather than just managing symptoms, many patients experience meaningful, lasting relief.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

For knee pain, genicular artery embolization (GAE) reduces blood flow to the inflamed tissue around the knee joint, decreasing pain and improving mobility. GAE is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require the recovery time of joint replacement surgery.

Hip Joint Embolization (HJE)

For hip pain, hip joint embolization (HJE) works through the same principle, targeting the hip joint specifically to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Like GAE, it is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require the recovery time of joint replacement surgery.

Shoulder Joint Embolization (SJE)

For shoulder pain, shoulder joint embolization (SJE) follows the same principle as GAE and HJE, targeting the arteries supplying the inflamed lining of the shoulder joint. By reducing that blood flow, SJE decreases inflammation and pain. Like GAE and HJE, it is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require the recovery time of joint replacement surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. When stretching, orthotics, and other conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief, embolization may help. By reducing the abnormal blood flow associated with chronic inflammation in the heel, the procedure addresses the underlying cause of pain rather than simply managing it.

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)

Internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, discomfort, and pressure that affect daily life. Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive option for patients who want to avoid more involved surgical procedures. HAE targets the arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoidal tissue, reducing size and relieving symptoms. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, and recovery is typically straightforward.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pain. For patients looking for an alternative to hysterectomy or other surgical options, uterine fibroid embolization offers a way to shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms without major surgery. The procedure reduces blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

One Procedure, Many Life-Changing Solutions

What these conditions have in common is this: they all involve abnormal blood flow that contributes to pain, inflammation, or growth. Embolization addresses that directly, with a small incision, no hospital stay, and a recovery measured in days rather than weeks.

That is the premise behind the embolization services at Dakota Vascular, and it is why these procedures are brought together under one umbrella rather than treated as isolated conditions. If you are experiencing chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain, heel pain, hemorrhoid symptoms, or have been told you have uterine fibroids, it may be worth asking about embolization treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is embolization and how does it work?

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow to a specific area of the body. A physician uses a small incision, typically in the wrist or groin, and a catheter to deliver tiny particles that block blood flow to the source of the problem. By reducing this blood flow, embolization decreases inflammation, pain, or growth associated with a range of conditions. The procedure does not require general anesthesia or a hospital stay, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

What conditions can be treated with embolization at Dakota Vascular?

Dakota Vascular offers embolization treatment for several conditions, including chronic knee pain through genicular artery embolization (GAE), chronic hip pain through hip joint embolization (HJE), chronic shoulder pain through shoulder joint embolization (SJE), plantar fasciitis, internal hemorrhoids through hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), and uterine fibroids. While these conditions may seem unrelated, they share a common feature: abnormal blood flow that contributes to pain, inflammation, or growth. A consultation can help determine whether embolization may be an appropriate option for your specific symptoms.

Am I a candidate for embolization, or do I need surgery first?

Embolization is typically considered for patients who have not found adequate relief through conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. It is not a replacement for surgery in every case, but for many patients, it can delay or eliminate the need for a more invasive procedure. A full evaluation, including your symptoms and medical history, will determine whether embolization is appropriate for your condition.

What is recovery like after an embolization procedure?

Recovery from embolization is generally quick. The procedure is performed through a small incision and does not require general anesthesia, so most patients return home the same day. Many people resume daily activities within one to three days, though some conditions may involve a gradual improvement in symptoms over the following weeks as inflammation continues to decrease. Your provider will give specific guidance on activity restrictions based on the type of embolization performed.

Is embolization covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for embolization varies by procedure, insurer, and plan. As some of these procedures are newer or gaining broader clinical recognition, prior authorization may be required. Contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to ask about coverage for the specific type of embolization you are considering is recommended. Self-pay options are also available.

How is embolization different from injections, medication, or surgery?

Injections and medications can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation or managing pain, but their effects often diminish over time or with repeated use. Surgery addresses the problem more permanently but typically involves a longer recovery and greater risk. Embolization is designed to address one of the underlying causes of the abnormal blood flow contributing to your symptoms, often providing longer-lasting relief than injections while requiring less recovery time than surgery.

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Dakota Vascular is a physician-owned clinic with the Midwest’s premier specialists for treating arterial and venous disease. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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Sioux Falls, SD 57105
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