Chronic Hip Pain? See If Hip Embolization Is Right for You
Find out if hip embolization is the right minimally invasive option to relieve your pain.
Providing Exceptional Medical Care for Major Vascular Disease Processes.
Hip embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to alleviate chronic hip pain, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis or greater trochanteric bursitis who have not found relief through conventional treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections. This technique offers an alternative to hip replacement surgery, especially for those seeking less invasive options.
What Our Patients Are Saying:
What is Hip Embolization
The procedure involves the selective blockage of blood vessels supplying the inflamed areas of the hip joint. A catheter is inserted through the groin into the femoral artery and guided to the target vessels using real-time imaging. Once in position, tiny particles or beads are released to reduce blood flow to the inflamed tissues, thereby decreasing pain and inflammation.
Who is a Candidate?
- Hip embolization may be suitable for individuals experiencing the following symptoms:
Experience chronic hip pain due to osteoarthritis or greater trochanteric bursitis. - Have not found relief from conservative treatments.
- Seek an alternative to hip replacement surgery.
- Prefer a less invasive option with shorter recovery times
Procedure Overview
- Preparation: Performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation. Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be conducted to assess the hip joint and plan the treatment.
- Catheter Insertion: A small catheter is inserted into the common femoral artery in the groin area.
- Guided Navigation: Using fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray), the catheter is navigated to the blood vessels supplying the inflamed area of the hip.
- Embolization: Tiny particles or beads are released through the catheter to block the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the inflamed tissues.
Aftercare: The catheter is removed, and a suture-mediated closure device is applied to the insertion site. Patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged, typically on the same day .
Our Doctors
Dr. Arya Bagherpour
Dr. Bagherpour has had a robust career treating patients with minimally invasive therapeutic interventions. He is dual-board certified in Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology.
Dr. Alex Shestopalov
He completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. He then completed his radiology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and his vascular and interventional radiology training at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, TX.
Why Should You Consider Hip Embolization?
The benefits of hip embolization include:
- RMinimally invasive with no large incisions.
- RPerformed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day.
- RShorter recovery time compared to hip replacement surgery.
- RSignificant pain relief and improved joint function in many patients
While hip embolization is considered safe, potential risks include:
- Infection at the insertion site.
- Bruising or soreness around the catheter site.
- Allergic reactions to contrast agents used during the procedure.
- Rare risks include damage to surrounding tissues or blood vessels
Recovery and Outlook
Most patients experience pain at the puncture site, which typically lasts a few days. Some may experience post-embolization syndrome, including fever, nausea, and vomiting. Recovery is generally quick, with most individuals returning to normal activities within a few days. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore mobility and strength in the hip joint.
The team at Houston Vascular Care wants to assist in allowing you to enjoy the activities you love. Schedule a consultation to see how we can best assist your hip osteoarthritic pain through a minimally invasive treatment that will get you feeling relaxed and pain-free.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation at no obligation, or for additional details regarding treatments
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Teleheath & In-Person Appointments Available.
Contact Details
Phone: 346-800-1380
Fax: 346-800-1388
Practice Addresses
1050 Gemini St., Suite #202, Houston, TX 77058
Working Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM