Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) for Tennis Elbow

When someone has tennis elbow, the body’s natural response is to repair the damage. A process called angiogenesis occurs where the body creates new, abnormal blood vessels around the joint. Unfortunately, new vascular growth meant to help heal a chronic condition may also create an unfortunate feedback loop where inflammation stimulates more blood vessel growth, and the new blood vessels carry more inflammatory cells into the joint that actually worsen the inflammation and pain. This can occur in the elbow, knee, shoulder and other joints as well.

Transcatheter arterial embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that blocks the abnormal blood vessels within the joint that are causing pain and discomfort. One of the specially trained VISA doctors will insert a tiny catheter into the wrist, then use imaging to guide it to the affected area of the elbow. A small amount of “embolizing agent” is injected to block the flow of blood through only the abnormal vessels. This can reduce the inflammation and pain without the need for surgery.

If you have been suffering from chronic elbow pain for at least six months and conservative treatments haven’t worked, we invite you to consult with one of our doctors. They can share all of the treatment options with you and help you to make an informed treatment decision that’s right for you.

For more information about transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for tennis elbow offered by the physicians of VISA, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.