Brain Tumor Embolization
Reduce blood supply to brain tumors before surgery or for symptom relief
What is Brain Tumor Embolization?
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to block blood flow to brain tumors, reducing their size and vascularity. This makes surgical removal safer or provides symptom relief for inoperable cases.
Tumors Treated with Embolization
Meningiomas
- •Benign tumors from meninges
- •Often highly vascular
- •Common in middle-aged women
Other Tumors
- •Glomus tumors (paragangliomas)
- •Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- •Metastatic brain tumors
Procedure Details
1. Pre-Procedure
MRI/CT and angiography to map tumor blood supply. Multidisciplinary team evaluation.
2. During Procedure
• Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
• Catheter inserted via femoral artery
• Embolic agents (particles/coils/glue) injected
• Continuous imaging guidance (fluoroscopy/angiography)
• Duration: 1-3 hours
3. Post-Procedure
• Overnight hospital monitoring
• Surgery typically within days if planned
• Follow-up imaging to assess effectiveness
Benefits
- ✓Reduces surgical risks and bleeding
- ✓Minimally invasive approach
- ✓Can relieve tumor-related symptoms
Risks
- •Stroke (if healthy vessels blocked)
- •Neurological deficits
- •Post-embolization syndrome (fever/headache)
Who is a Candidate?
- •Patients with highly vascular brain tumors
- •Pre-surgical preparation cases
- •Inoperable tumors for palliative care
Neurological Emergency?
Seek immediate care for:
- •Sudden severe headache
- •Vision changes
- •Difficulty speaking
- •Weakness on one side
Key Facts
Procedure Time
1-3 hours
Effectiveness
Significantly reduces surgical bleeding
Hospital Stay
1-2 days