At EMBOLIX, we are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care while also training healthcare professionals in advancing and expanding embolization techniques across the country. Our advanced embolization procedures offer safe and effective pain relief for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions by using an embolic solution to decrease blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Led by our founder Dr. Siddhartha Rao, who is recognized as a leader in embolization and has been closely involved in the development of this approach, EMBOLIX is committed to pushing the boundaries of research, including creating the first global embolization registry with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
The number of people affected by osteoarthritis has risen by over 113% between 1990 and 2019, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). More than 528 million people have been impacted by this chronic degenerative joint disease worldwide.
Although osteoarthritis has long been associated with factors like genetics, aging, and joint injuries, new research points to inflammation as a key driver. Inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to an injury, can also lead to the development of new blood vessels (neovascularization). These vessels carry inflammatory substances that worsen joint damage and pain.
SOURCE: University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, September 2022.
Arterial embolization was developed to address the inflammation that causes osteoarthritis pain. In 2013, Dr. Yuji Okuno from Japan developed this treatment, which targets specific arteries that supply the joints. By blocking these arteries, the procedure helps prevent further joint damage caused by inflammation.
Although osteoarthritis has long been associated with factors like genetics, aging, and joint injuries, new research points to inflammation as a key driver. Inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to an injury, can also lead to the development of new blood vessels (neovascularization). These vessels carry inflammatory substances that worsen joint damage and pain.
EMBOLIX arterial embolization is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that helps reduce pain and inflammation by blocking blood flow to specific joints. Tiny beads called embolics are used to block the blood vessels feeding the inflamed tissues. This treatment is an effective solution for osteoarthritis and is effective in areas ranging from the shoulder and elbow to the thumb, hips, knees, Achilles tendon, and heel.
At EMBOLIX, we specialize in arterial embolization in our outpatient clinic. Using an ultrasound, our team locates an accessible artery, then we make a small puncture to insert a thin catheter. This catheter is carefully guided through the artery using real-time imaging with contrast, which shows the blood flow and helps us pinpoint the target arteries. A small amount of embolic is then injected to block the problematic arteries, while preserving the healthing ones.
This procedure is performed under mild anesthesia, so there is minimal discomfort and recovery is quick. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities the next day! For more information about these procedures, visit our Services Page.
Shoulder Artery Embolization
Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization for Heel Pain
Shoulder Artery Embolization
Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization for Heel Pain
If you’re interested in learning how you can manage your pain more effectively with minimally
invasive procedures, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our EMBOLIX team.
