Endovascular embolization is a surgical procedure used to treat abnormal blood vessels found in the brain, as well as other areas of the body. Considered an alternative to open surgery, endovascular embolization (EE) blocks blood vessels in order to cut off blood flow to the affected area.
Conditions where EE may be performed include:
After making a tiny incision in the groin, your surgeon will insert a long, thin tube, called a catheter, through the femoral artery. The catheter is guided through the circulatory system using X-ray imaging until it reaches the location of the abnormal blood vessel being treated. The surgeon then injects an embolizing agent, such as tiny plastic particles, metal coils, or glue-like agents, to block the artery and reduce or stop the blood flow.