Thyroid artery embolization: Procedure, benefits and risks

November 14, 2024

Thyroid artery embolization is a minimally invasive medical procedure that the doctor performs to treat certain medical conditions affecting the thyroid. Sometimes referred to as thyroid artery ablation, the procedure is a reliable overactive thyroid treatment when no other treatment is effective. Patients with no improvement from radioactive iodine therapy and medications often undergo this procedure. 

Understanding TAE

The excess production of thyroid hormones can cause varying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or thyroid nodules. TAE involves embolization or blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the thyroid gland by injecting a substance for blockage. This blockage helps to decrease the blood flow towards the thyroid gland and ultimately, limits the thyroid hormone production. 

A thyroidologist near me may suggest thyroid artery embolization to eliminate the symptoms of an overactive thyroid that you might be having. This procedure eliminates the need to go for conventional surgery and aims to reduce the gland’s activity for optimal functioning. 

 

Benefits of TAE

There are several benefits to count upon when it comes to undergoing thyroid artery embolization. 

  1. Shorter hospitalization 
  2. Comparatively lower complication risk
  3. Faster recovery 
  4. For old patients 
  5. For patients with underlying medical ailments 

 

Am I eligible for TAE?

Your thyroidologist in Mohali might be able to tell if you are eligible to undergo TAE depending upon your medical condition. If you are suffering from intrathoracic or symptomatic substernal goitre, you might be a good candidate for this procedure. According to your overall health and if no other treatment seems effective, your doctor might suggest you TAE. 

 

How does TAE work?

Thyroid artery embolization is a safe procedure that uses embolic agents to block the blood flowing towards the artery. 

 

Before the procedure 

Usually performed on an outpatient basis, a person undergoing this procedure can go back home on the same day. You need to stay at the hospital only if your health condition is not fine or you need constant monitoring. 

Your doctor may ask you to undergo certain tests and imaging scans at the best hospital in Mohali before the procedure. You may need to fast for a few hours and avoid alcohol or tobacco consumption before TAE. 

 

During the procedure

The surgeon will administer anaesthesia to prevent you from suffering any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The surgeon will then make a small cut in the groin region or the wrist area of your body to perform the procedure. The ultrasound helps the surgeon to view the inside of the body in real-time while performing the TAE procedure. 

The surgeon will use a catheter to reach the blood vessels supplying the thyroid by introducing it through the given incision. Next, he or she will inject embolic agents into the arteries supplying the thyroid with the help of the catheter. These agents will show their effects to cause blockage in the arteries that are responsible for blood flow towards the thyroid. 

For the thyroid treatment, the radiologist will use imaging scans and contrast dye to check for obstructed blood flow towards the artery supplying the thyroid. After the embolization procedure, the doctor will remove the catheter and close the site with an incision with the help of sutures. The doctor will apply a surgical band-aid for covering the stitches to protect the site. 

 

After the procedure 

The doctor will ask the team to shift you to the room after the procedure and ensure to keep you under observation for a few hours. Depending upon your condition, the doctor may also ask you to stay back at the hospital for a few days to avoid any risks of complications. 

The team will let you know about the instructions to follow after the procedure and how you need to adjust your lifestyle. The thyroidologist near me will ask you to avoid any kind of physical activity that may put stress on the site of the incision. 

 

Recovery 

Your doctor will ask you to follow a proper post-procedure routine and come for follow-up at regular intervals. This will help for a smoother recovery after the procedure and avoid any complications. 

The doctor will recommend some medications to help you manage your pain and discomfort after TAE. According to your recovery, the doctor will guide you on getting back to your normal routine during your follow-up appointments. 

 

Risks 

Although TAE is a minimally invasive procedure, there are some risks involved even if you see the best thyroidologist in Mohali. 

  • Discomfort during the procedure 
  • Chances of infection at the incision site for TAE
  • Pain during the recovery period 
  • Altered thyroid function 
  • Poor results after the surgery if hyperthyroidism is severe 
  • Allergic reaction towards the due used during the TAE procedure. 

 

Sohana Hospital has the best thyroidologists who use their knowledge in planning the best treatment for you. They evaluate your condition thoroughly and know what you expect from the procedure before planning your TAE.