Overview
Thyroid arterial embolization is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce the size of thyroid nodules or tumors by cutting off their blood supply. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional thyroid surgery due to other medical conditions or who prefer a less invasive option. It can also be done in conjunction with other procedures, such as thyroid surgery or RFA.
Procedure
During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter into an artery in the groin or arm. Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is navigated to the arteries supplying blood to the thyroid. Once in place, tiny particles are released through the catheter to block these blood vessels, effectively starving the thyroid nodule or tumor of the nutrients it needs to grow. This causes the targeted tissue to shrink over time.
Benefits and Risks
Thyroid arterial embolization offers several advantages, including a shorter recovery time, preservation of some thyroid tissue, and no visible scars. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or unintended damage to the surrounding tissues. The specific additional risk that comes with this procedure is the risk of stroke. For that reason, Thyroid Arterial Embolization is rarely the first-line treatment for a thyroid problem.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery from thyroid arterial embolization is typically quick, with most patients able to return home the same day. Mild discomfort at the catheter insertion site is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Follow-up visits with your healthcare provider will be scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to manage any side effects.
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