A treatment that blocks the flow of blood (i.e. to “starve” a tumor).
Formation and release of a substance to occlude blood vessels in the treatment or prevention of hemorrhaging.
Obstruction of a blood vessel by intentionally injected material or by physiologic migration of loosened intravascular plaque or thrombi.
A method utilized to halt or prevent hemorrhage by inserting a foreign object, such as an air-filled membrane (balloon), into a blood vessel to obstruct the blood flow.
Deliberate obstruction of a blood vessel using an artificial embolus (a fragment of material carried in the bloodstream) made of material such as gel foam, PVA (resin), liquid sclerosants (hardeners), or medical glue. Embolization is carried out to stop uncontrollable internal bleeding or to cut off the blood supply to a tumour, especially a fibroid. In the latter case, embolization can relieve pain; cause the tumour to shrivel, making surgical removal easier; or stop the tumour from spreading. Embolization can also be used to block flow through vascular abnormalities such as haemangiomas, in both the skin and internal organs.
To block a blood vessel, a catheter (a flexible tube) is inserted into a blood vessel near the target site. Through this catheter, an embolus is then released, which becomes lodged inside the vessel, effectively obstructing blood flow to the specific area in question.