Thumb and Finger Joint Embolization
TAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces pain from arthritis by blocking tiny abnormal blood vessels in and around the arthritic joint. These abnormal vessels increase inflammation and nerve sensitivity.
Contact AVC to see if you are a candidate for Thumb and Finger Joint Embolization.
Overview
Basilar thumb arthritis (also known as carpometacarpal joint arthritis) affects the base of the thumb, where the first metacarpal bone meets the wrist. Interphalangeal joint arthritis affects the joints in between the fingers.
As the cartilage in the joint wears down over time, the bones rub together, causing:
- Pain when pinching, gripping, or turning objects
- Swelling or tenderness of the thumb or fingers
- Reduced hand strength and mobility
- Difficulty doing everyday tasks like opening jars, writing, or using tools
If you’ve tried splints, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or physical therapy with little relief, you may be a candidate for transarterial embolization (TAE)—a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment to reduce pain and improve function.
What Is transarterial embolization (TAE)?
TAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces pain from arthritis by blocking tiny abnormal blood vessels in and around the arthritic joint. These abnormal vessels increase inflammation and nerve sensitivity.
By targeting and reducing the abnormal blood supply to these vessels, embolization:
- Decreases inflammation
- Reduces nerve-related pain
- Slows further joint irritation
- Helps restore better finger function
This procedure is performed by our skilled interventional vascular specialists using a tiny catheter and advanced imaging—no incisions or surgery needed.
Benefits of Transarterial Embolization
- Non-surgical – No cutting, implants, or joint replacement
- Minimal downtime – Return to light activity the next day
- Significant pain relief – Often within 1 week
- Outpatient procedure – Done right in our vascular center
- No anesthesia – Done with local numbing medication only
- Long-lasting results – Many patients see improvement for months or years
- Preserves joint structure – Avoids permanent joint alterations
This is a great option for patients who want to avoid surgery—or who aren’t candidates for surgery.
Why Choose Advanced Vascular Centers?
At Advanced Vascular Centers, our vascular specialists are experts in cutting-edge embolization techniques. We offer:
- Board-certified, experienced interventional specialists
- State-of-the-art outpatient facilities
- Patient-centered care and custom treatment planning
- Collaboration with hand surgeons and orthopedic providers
- A safe, comfortable environment with minimal wait times
Patient Flow
At Advanced Vascular Centers, TAE is performed by expert interventionalists following the original Okuno method, below you can find information on the individual steps we take for each patient.
- Pre-procedural consultation
As a patient, you will meet with the doctor beforehand and we review your symptoms, exam findings, prior medical record, and prior imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) to confirm your diagnosis. We discuss your case in depth and make sure you have a complete understanding of the procedure.
- Procedure day
- Check in – One to two hours beforehand to prepare and for a medical history review.
- Numbing medication – Local numbing medication is given at the access site at the wrist. A nurse will be monitoring your blood pressure as a precaution while our doctor is performing the procedure.
- Access – A tiny IV (needle) accesses the blood vessel supplying the hand.
- Treatment – Medication is injected to block the abnormal vessels. The normal blood vessels supplying the hand.
- Completion – The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is applied—no stitches, no open incisions.
- Recovery
- Rest for approximately 15 minutes after the procedure.
- You go home about 30 minutes after the procedure.
- Most patients resume light activity the next day.
- Full activity will resume in about 1 week.
- Pain relief typically begins within 1 week and can be sustained for 2+ years.
- Follow-up
- 1 month after the procedure we see you in our clinic to check how you are feeling after the treatment.
- If you are progressing as expected, no further follow ups are needed.
- If you continue to have pain, we can re-treat the joint.
- We love hearing and sharing in our patients’ success so we encourage all our patients to follow up as needed!
What Results Can I Expect?
Patients often report:
- Reduced pain
- Less swelling and joint sensitivity
- Improved grip strength
- Better range of motion and daily function
Clinical studies and international experience with hand embolization show promising results—with most patients experiencing lasting pain relief at 2 years.
Is Thumb Embolization Right for Me?
You may be a candidate if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with basilar thumb (CMC joint) or interphalangeal joint arthritis
- You’ve tried other treatments like braces, NSAIDs, or injections without lasting relief
- You want to avoid surgery
- You have persistent pain that affects your grip or quality of life
We’ll perform a full evaluation, including imaging, to see if this treatment is a good fit for your specific needs.
Risks & Complications
Thumb Embolization is considered safe and low risk, especially when performed by a trained interventional specialist. However, as with any medical procedure, some risks exist.
Common, mild side effects:
- Bruising or soreness at the catheter site
- Temporary hand or thumb stiffness
- Mild swelling or fatigue in the hand
Our team uses advanced imaging and specialized techniques to minimize these risks and ensure patient safety.
FAQS
Does insurance cover embolization?
Yes! Coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. Our team will work with your insurance company to verify your benefits and explain any costs upfront.
What is Transarterial Embolization (TAE)?
Transarterial Embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that reduces chronic arthritis pain at the base of the thumb and fingers joints. It works by blocking abnormal blood vessels that fuel joint inflammation and nerve irritation—helping relieve pain and restore function without surgery.
How do I know if I’m a candidate?
You may be a candidate if you’ve been diagnosed with basilar (CMC joint) thumb arthritis, and conservative treatments like splints, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections haven’t worked. A consultation and imaging at Advanced Vascular Centers will determine if you’re eligible.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most patients experience very little discomfort. The procedure is done using local anesthesia, and most people report only mild soreness afterward—similar to a blood draw or IV. There’s no need for general anesthesia or sedation.
How long does the procedure take?
The embolization usually takes about 30 minutes. After a brief recovery period, you’ll go home the same day and typically resume light hand use within 1–2 days.
When will I notice pain relief?
Many patients begin to feel less pain and stiffness within 1 week, sometimes even immediately! Results often continue to improve over several months, as inflammation subsides and hand function improves. Occasionally the treatment may have to be repeated for optimal results.
Will the procedure affect the function of my thumb or hand?
No. The procedure is targeted only at the abnormal blood vessels causing inflammation—it doesn’t damage bones, tendons, or muscles. Most patients actually regain better grip strength and thumb mobility as pain decreases.
What are the risks or side effects?
Thumb Embolization is very safe. Minor side effects can include bruising, temporary hand soreness, or mild swelling.
How long do the results last?
For many patients, relief from thumb embolization lasts months to years. While the procedure doesn’t reverse arthritis, it treats the root source of pain and inflammation, giving long-term improvement and often delaying or avoiding surgery.
I have arthritis in both hands, can these be treated during the same day?
Yes, we can treat both hands on the same day with similar expected results.
Please contact our office to schedule a consultation to see if Thumb Embolization is right for you.
TESTIMONIALS
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References
- Lee SY, Lim WX, Wu KT, Wu CT, Huang CC, Chang CD. Short-term clinical outcomes of transarterial embolization for symptomatic hand osteoarthritis refractory to conservative treatment. Diagn Interv Radiol. 2024 Jan 8;30(1):65-71. doi: 10.4274/dir.2023.232350. Epub 2023 Nov 6. PMID: 37927038; PMCID: PMC10773178.
- Inui S, Yoshizawa S, Shintaku T, Kaneko T, Ikegami H, Okuno Y. Intra-Arterial Infusion of Imipenem/Cilastatin Sodium through a Needle Inserted into the Radial Artery as a New Treatment for Refractory Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2021 Sep;32(9):1341-1347. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2021.06.024. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34242776.
- Kubo T, Miyazaki K, Shibuya M, Sugihara E, Nakata M, Okuno Y. Intra-Arterial Injection of Temporary Embolic Material Through a Needle Inserted into the Radial or Ulnar Artery for Distal and Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study of 92 Patients. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2023 Oct;46(10):1375-1382. doi: 10.1007/s00270-023-03514-x. Epub 2023 Jul 31. PMID: 37524895.
- Effectiveness and Safety of Intra-arterial Imipenem/Cilastatin Sodium Infusion for Patients with Hand Osteoarthritis–Related Interphalangeal Joint Pain
Liang, Keng-Wei et al.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Volume 34, Issue 9, 1485 – 1492.e1