Inflamatory / MSK Embolization

TAME

Inflammatory embolization is an innovative medical procedure designed to treat conditions caused by chronic inflammation.

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The Okuno Method (Japan) is a new approach to pain management that focuses on abnormal blood vessels that have enlarged in pain-producing tissues.

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It differs significantly from conventional approaches such as nerve blocks, injections and physical therapy. It targets the abnormal development of blood vessels and nerves.

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Since it was first published by Dr. Yuji Okuno in a medical journal in 2012, it has been spreading around the world, especially in recent years.

 

But how does this work?

Pain caused by chronic inflammation releases substances that create small, anomalous blood vessels. These in turn irritate the small branches of nerves at the site resulting in pain and more inflammation, perpetuating the cycle. Inflammatory embolization acts as a method to "block" the flow of these anomalous vessels and thus reduce inflammatory pain.

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Cases

Arthrosis: cases of knee osteoartosis in which patients do not yet have an indication for a prosthesis, those who do not have surgical conditions, those who, despite surgical indication, want treatment for their pain; between others.

"Joint" pain after knee arthroplasty (pain that remains after prosthesis surgery, or cases that present recurrent joint effusion)

Tendinopathies: epicondylitis, patellar tendinopathy, DeQuervain's

Plantar fasciitis

Injuries caused by sports (can contribute to faster recovery from your training routine).

Musculoskeletal pathologies with unsatisfactory results after other treatments (medication, physiotherapy, shock waves, infiltrations, etc.)

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* Each case must be assessed individually. Progressive diseases have a limited response.

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How is the procedure?

The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning there are no major cuts involved. Using a puncture, we place a very thin catheter in a blood vessel, usually through the groin or wrist, and guide it to the vessels in the inflamed area (the location corresponding to the pain). Then, small particles are injected to block these vessels, reducing blood flow to the inflamed area and, consequently, inflammation and pain. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in a day hospital setting (admission and discharge on the same day). The procedure time, in most cases, is around 1 hour.

Results can appear in a matter of 1 to 2 weeks up to 2 months. The degree of improvement varies from patient to patient, so we will align expectations during the consultation.