- Embolization is a technique used to block blood flow in a controlled fashion.
- The technique uses a variety of materials to stop bleeding or starve tumors of their
nutrient supply. The procedure deploys an embolic device into the vessel, commonly a
small metal coil, latex balloon, or a liquid or solid chemical agent. - In some cases, embolization can be used as an alternative treatment when open surgery
is undesirable or not recommended. - Embolization is indicated in a variety of situations, including:
o Cerebral aneurysm
o Trauma
o Bleeding in the liver
o Upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage
o Postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding after childbirth)
o Vascular malformations
o Uterine fibroids
o Liver cancer
o Varicoceles, distended veins in the scrotum
