Embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery with long-term relief and fewer risks.
Facing surgery can feel overwhelming – especially when it seems like your only option. But what if there was a safe, proven treatment that doesn’t require an incision, hospital stay, or lengthy recovery?
At ECCO Medical, we specialize in embolization, a cutting-edge, image-guided procedure that’s changing lives for patients who want real results without the stress and downtime of surgery.
Whether you’re dealing with uterine fibroids, an enlarged prostate, chronic joint pain, or even certain tumors, embolization could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
In this post, we’ll break down what embolization is, how it works, which conditions it can treat, and why so many patients are choosing this approach over surgery.
What Is Embolization?
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to specific blood vessels to shrink or treat abnormal tissue. It’s performed by an interventional radiologist (like Dr. Aaron Kovaleski) using advanced imaging technology to guide a catheter through your blood vessels with extreme precision.
This technique is used to cut off blood supply to problematic areas like tumors, fibroids, or inflamed joints – without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. The result? Less pain, fewer complications, and a faster return to normal life.
Want to go deeper? Read: What is Embolization? Definition, Benefits, and Risks
How Does It Work?
Here’s what you can expect from a typical embolization procedure:
- Tiny Access Point – A small needle-poke (usually in the wrist or groin) is made to insert a thin catheter.
- Guided Navigation – Using real-time imaging, your doctor guides the catheter through your blood vessels to the treatment area.
- Embolic Material Is Delivered – Tiny particles (like coils, foam, or beads) are released to block targeted blood flow.
- The Problem Area Shrinks or Stabilizes – Over time, the lack of blood supply causes the tissue to shrink and symptoms to ease.
These procedures are done in-office as outpatient treatments, with no general anesthesia and minimal recovery time.
Learn more about the techniques we use: Embolization and Interventional Radiology Explained
What Conditions Can Embolization Help Treat?
Embolization is a versatile treatment used across multiple specialties. Here are some of the most common conditions we treat:
1. Uterine Fibroids (UFE)
If you’ve been told you need a hysterectomy for fibroids, it’s time for a second opinion.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization can relieve heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure without removing your uterus. Similar techniques can also be used to treat adenomyosis and PCS (pelvic congestion syndrome).
- Non-surgical
- Preserves fertility and hormone balance
- Fast recovery with long-lasting results
Check out this full list of Women’s Health Services at ECCO Medical to learn Why Every Woman Should Know About UFE
2. Enlarged Prostate (PAE)
Frequent trips to the bathroom, interrupted sleep, and urgency don’t have to be your new normal. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a safe, outpatient alternative to surgery for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- No incisions to or near the genital area
- Fast, long-lasting symptom relief
- Minimal recovery time
3. Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis (GAE)
If you’ve been told to “wait until you need a knee replacement,” there’s a better option.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) targets the abnormal blood vessels contributing to joint inflammation – reducing pain and improving mobility without surgery.
- Non-invasive
- Ideal for those wanting to avoid joint replacement
- Short recovery, high satisfaction rates
🔗 Your Guide to GAE and Fast Relief
4. Tumors and Cancer-Related Conditions
Embolization can also be used to treat certain types of tumors by cutting off their blood supply. This is especially helpful for liver tumors, kidney cancer, and other localized cancers.
- Bland embolization: Blocks blood flow to starve the tumor
- Chemoembolization: Delivers chemotherapy directly into the tumor before sealing it off
These techniques are often used alongside other cancer treatments to boost effectiveness.
5. Chronic Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis Embolization – PFE)
If you’re battling persistent heel pain that hasn’t responded to rest, orthotics, or physical therapy, Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE) could be the missing piece. This non-surgical procedure reduces inflammation in the heel by blocking abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic pain.
- Minimally invasive and done under local anesthesia
- No downtime or surgical recovery
- Great option for patients who’ve tried everything else
... And That's Just the Beginning
Embolization can be used to treat so much more than what’s listed above. From varicoceles and aneurysms to internal bleeding and hemorrhoids, interventional radiologists continue to expand the uses of this life-changing technique.
At ECCO Medical, we focus on the most proven, effective, and in-demand embolization procedures – but our expertise doesn’t stop there. If you’re wondering whether embolization could work for your condition, we’re here to help you explore all your options.
Benefits of Embolization VS. Surgery
Why are more people choosing embolization over surgery?
- No large incisions or scars
- No overnight hospital stays
- Faster recovery
- Less pain and bleeding
- Preserves organs and natural function
- Fewer complications
- Covered by most insurance plans
This approach is not just a convenient alternative – it’s a smarter, safer option.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Embolization?
You may be a great fit for embolization if:
- You want to avoid surgery
- Medications haven’t provided enough relief
- You’re looking for faster recovery with less disruption to your life
- You want to preserve organ function or fertility (especially in UFE and PAE cases)
Curious to know if embolization is right for you? Take the quiz!
Surgery Isn't Your Only Option. We Can Help.
If you’re exploring treatment options for fibroids, prostate symptoms, joint pain, or tumors, embolization may be the safe, effective solution you’ve been hoping for.
Schedule a consultation today to see if embolization is right for you.
