Minimally Invasive Chronic Arthritis Pain Management

What is transcatheter arterial microembolization?

Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization (TAME) is an interventional procedure that uses a catheter to inject an embolic agent into abnormal, newly formed microvessels near a painful joint or tendon, reducing local inflammation and pain signaling. It is suited to patients with long-term joint or tendon pain who have had limited relief from medication, rehabilitation, or injections.

Who may be a candidate

• Degenerative arthritis of the hands, knees, or other joints
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow
• Rotator cuff tears or calcific tendinitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Patients who have tried medication, rehabilitation, injections, or surgery with limited improvement

How the procedure works

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. A catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin artery and guided, under imaging, to the abnormal vessels near the source of pain. After the embolic agent is injected, the patient is observed briefly; the procedure takes about one to two hours, and most patients go home the same day without hospital admission.

Situations to discuss with your physician

Patients with impaired kidney function, those on dialysis, or those with a contrast agent allergy should inform their physician during evaluation, so that suitability and any necessary adjustments can be assessed.

Outcomes and recovery

Most patients notice pain relief within two weeks to one month after treatment. How long the effect lasts varies by individual, ranging from several months to a few years. Mild local swelling or skin color changes may occur afterward and usually resolve on their own, with limited impact on daily activity.