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Elbow Embolization (Transcatheter Arterial Embolization)

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic tennis elbow who have not found relief with conservative therapies. NG Vascular & Vein Center offers this advanced procedure at multiple convenient locations across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.

Why Chronic Tennis Elbow Persists

In long-standing tennis elbow, the body creates abnormal new blood vessels around the elbow in an attempt to heal damaged tissue. Unfortunately, these vessels allow inflammatory cells to continuously enter the joint, worsening pain and preventing healing. This process—called angiogenesis—is a key driver of chronic elbow pain. At NG Vascular, we utilize embolization to treat the root of the problem.

elbow embolization

How Elbow Embolization Works

During TAE:

  1. A small catheter is inserted through a tiny access point, typically in the wrist or groin.
  2. Using real-time imaging, the interventional radiologist guides the catheter to abnormal blood vessels near the elbow.
  3. Tiny embolic particles are released to block these vessels and reduce inflammation.

The procedure targets pain at its source while preserving healthy tissue.

Benefits of Elbow Embolization

  • No surgical incision
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Minimal downtime
  • Reduced inflammation and pain
  • Faster recovery than surgery
  • Image-guided precision

Most patients resume light activities within days.

Who Is a Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for elbow embolization if:

  • Tennis elbow has lasted 6 months or longer
  • Conservative treatments have failed
  • You want to avoid surgery
  • You are seeking a minimally invasive solution

A consultation at NG Vascular & Vein Center will determine if TAE is appropriate for you.

Expert Care Close to Home

Dr. Golewale of NG Vascular & Vein Center is among the first physicians in the United States to offer outpatient elbow embolization. Patients can access this advanced care at locations in:

Each clinic is equipped to provide personalized evaluations and follow-up care.

What to Expect After Treatment

After treatment, most people will experience mild soreness for a few days. You’ll also see a gradual improvement in pain over the coming weeks. In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to improve strength and flexibility

FAQs About Elbow Embolization

Yes. When performed by experienced interventional radiologists, TAE is considered safe and effective.

Most patients return to normal activities quickly, often within a few days.

Elbow embolization (Transcatheter Arterial Embolization) is available at NG Vascular & Vein Center locations in Munster, Merrillville, Homewood, Palos Heights, Hoffman Estates, and Addison, serving patients throughout Indiana and Illinois.

Yes. NG Vascular & Vein Center offers elbow embolization throughout the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana, including both suburban Illinois and Indiana locations.

Elbow embolization is performed by interventional radiologists trained in image-guided procedures. Dr. Golewale of NG Vascular & Vein Center is among the first physicians in the U.S. to offer this treatment on an outpatient basis.

At NG Vascular & Vein Center, elbow embolization (Transcatheter Arterial Embolization or TAE) is performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure by an experienced interventional radiologist.

The procedure begins with a small numbing injection, typically in the wrist or groin area. A thin catheter (small flexible tube) is inserted into an artery and guided through the bloodstream using advanced real-time imaging. Once the catheter reaches the abnormal blood vessels around the elbow that are contributing to inflammation, tiny embolic particles are injected to block those vessels.

By reducing abnormal blood flow that fuels chronic inflammation, the procedure helps relieve pain and allows the tendon to heal naturally — without open surgery.

The elbow embolization procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish.

Patients are monitored briefly afterward in a recovery area before going home the same day. Because it is performed on an outpatient basis, there is no hospital stay required.

Most appointments, including preparation and recovery time, are completed within a few hours.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure.

A local anesthetic is used to numb the access site, and patients are kept comfortable throughout the procedure. You may feel mild pressure but typically not significant pain.

After the procedure, some patients experience mild soreness or tenderness around the elbow for a few days. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and resolves quickly.

Compared to surgical tendon repair, elbow embolization is generally associated with significantly less pain and downtime.

Recovery from elbow embolization is typically straightforward and much faster than surgery.

Most patients experience:

  • Mild soreness for a few days
  • Minimal swelling
  • Gradual reduction in pain over several weeks

Because the procedure works by reducing inflammation, improvement often occurs progressively rather than instantly. Many patients notice meaningful relief within weeks as healing continues.

Your provider may recommend light stretching or physical therapy to strengthen the elbow and optimize long-term results.

Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days of the procedure.

Return to sports, heavy lifting, or repetitive arm activity may vary depending on the severity of your condition and your specific lifestyle. Many patients are able to resume recreational activities much sooner than they would after surgery.

During your consultation at NG Vascular & Vein Center, we will provide personalized guidance based on your goals — whether that’s returning to tennis, golf, work duties, or exercise.

Insurance coverage for elbow embolization can vary depending on your provider and specific policy.

Some insurance plans may cover the procedure, particularly when conservative treatments have failed and documentation supports medical necessity. Our team at NG Vascular & Vein Center will:

  • Verify your insurance benefits
  • Obtain prior authorization if required
  • Discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs in advance

We are committed to transparency and will help you understand your options before moving forward with treatment.

If you have questions about coverage, we encourage you to contact our office at (219) 208-6218 for assistance.

Schedule a Consultation Near You

If you’re experiencing ongoing elbow pain and want to explore a non-surgical treatment option, elbow embolization may be right for you.

Call our Indiana office at (219) 208-6218 or Illinois office at (708) 888-1167 to schedule a consultation. We have centers in Munster, Merrillville, Homewood, Palos Heights, Hoffman Estates, and Addison.

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