Language
Country/Area
No result found
What is embolization? How is it revolutionizing the medical field?
Embolysis, as a medical technique, refers to the passage and retention of emboli in the bloodstream, and can be either naturally derived pathological emboli or artificially induced therapeutic emboli. Whether it is to treat bleeding problems or as a treatment for certain cancers, the increasing use of embolization has changed our understanding of cancer and vascular problems.
Although embolization was originally used to treat bleeding, advances in technology have also led to its use in cancer treatment to reduce the growth of tumors by cutting off their blood supply.
Application of embolization
Embolization is used in a variety of clinical situations, including:
- Aortic hemorrhage
- Brain aneurysm
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Nosebleed
- Ovarian varicose veins
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Surgical bleeding
- Traumatic bleeding such as spleen rupture or pelvic fracture
- Reduced blood flow to the tumor, such as kidney or liver disease
How is embolization performed?
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure first developed by Sadek Hilal in 1968. The procedure is usually performed by an interventional radiologist in an interventional imaging suite. Most patients do not require anesthesia during treatment, and general anesthesia is usually required only in cases involving intracranial or portal vein embolization.
The core of embolization is to selectively block blood vessels, which can effectively reduce tumors or prevent aneurysms from rupture. The embolic materials used in the process are in various forms, ranging from metal coils, colloids to microparticles.
During surgery, doctors use guide wires and catheters to access the desired organ and use digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to find the correct artery or vein supplying the lesion. Once the location is determined, treatment can begin by introducing an embolic substance into the target area, thereby sealing off the vessel.
Advantages and Challenges of Embolization
This technology offers many advantages, including:
- Minimally invasive surgery, no need for major surgery
- Low bleeding risk and short hospital stay
- The surgery will leave little or no scars
- Recover quickly after surgery and preserve fertility
However, the technology is not without its challenges. Its success rate depends partly on the user's experience and it may cause damage to normal tissues and lead to adverse reactions. In addition, some patients may not be suitable for embolization, and the probability of tumor recurrence is also worrying.
Embolization is not only effective in treating internal bleeding, but can also reduce tumor size through selective blood supply, which is revolutionary in today's medical field.
Future Outlook
With the advancement of technology, the application scenarios of embolization will become wider and wider. The application of all new materials and technologies has significantly expanded the scope of application of embolization, from the treatment of various cancers to the management of various emergency bleeding, showing strong vitality and potential.
In future medical frameworks, we may see more precise embolic agents combined with local drug delivery methods, completely changing the current treatment paradigm. How will such a medical revolution affect our lives and health?
