Liver Embolization

How Does Liver Embolization Work?

During liver embolization, our specialists use advanced imaging guidance to place a thin, flexible catheter into an artery through a small incision. The catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels and positioned in the hepatic artery that feeds liver tumors. Once perfectly positioned, embolizing agents are injected to block blood flow to the tumor.

The embolizing agents are tiny particles made from hydrogels or beads that may contain chemotherapy or radiopharmaceuticals. They travel through the bloodstream until they lodge in the vessels within the target tissue, cutting off the blood supply. Without adequate blood flow, the tumor tissue is deprived of oxygen, causing it to shrink or, in some cases, disappear entirely.

At the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center, we tailor our approach to each patient, offering different types of liver embolization based on their health and the size, location or number of tumors.

Ideal Candidates for Liver Embolization

Liver embolization may be recommended for patients who:

• Have primary liver tumors (such as hepatocellular carcinoma) or metastatic tumors that have spread to the liver
• Cannot undergo surgical removal of tumors due to size, location or overall health
• Have tumors that may be too large for ablation therapy alone
• Need treatment while waiting for a liver transplant
• Require relief from symptoms caused by liver tumors
• Have adequate liver function to tolerate the procedure

Our interventional radiologists will thoroughly evaluate your specific condition and medical history to determine if liver embolization is right for you.

What to Expect During Treatment

Liver embolization is typically performed on an outpatient basis at our state-of-the-art facilities in Orange County. The procedure generally takes one to three hours to complete, though this can vary depending on the complexity of treatment and the number of tumors being targeted.

Before the procedure, you’ll receive medication to keep you comfortable, and local anesthesia is used at the catheter insertion site. Throughout the procedure, our interventional radiologists use real-time imaging to guide the catheter precisely to the target area.

Once the embolizing agents are delivered, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. Most patients can return home later the same day.

Liver Embolization Recovery

Healing from liver embolization varies from patient to patient, with complete recovery taking several weeks in some cases. After the procedure, you may experience what’s known as “post-embolization syndrome,” which can include pain, nausea, fever and fatigue. These symptoms are normal and typically respond well to medication.

Our team will provide detailed instructions for your recovery period and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a period determined by your doctor.
Follow-up imaging studies will be performed to assess how effectively the treatment targeted the tumor and determine if additional treatments are needed.