• Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization – TAME

TAME for Chronic Shoulder Pain

TARGET THE INFLAMMATION. RELIEVE THE SHOULDER PAIN. MOVE FREELY AGAIN.

A minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow associated with chronic shoulder inflammation, without open surgery.

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HOW IT WORKS

TAME in 4 Simple Steps

01

Catheter Access

A thin catheter is inserted through a small puncture, typically near the groin.

02

Artery Mapping

Contrast dye and live X-ray imaging identify the abnormal vessels supplying the inflamed area.

03

Targeted Embolization

Tiny particles are delivered into selected vessels to reduce abnormal blood flow and inflammation.

04

Same-Day Discharge

The catheter is removed, a bandage is applied, and most patients return home the same day.

BENEFITS

TAME vs Other Shoulder Pain Treatments

SHOULDER Inflammation - Before & After TAME

BeforeAfter (1)
MINIMAL INVASIVE TREATMENTS SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Treatment options

How we treat PAD at HVLC

RECOVERY TIMELINE

What to expect after TAME for Chronic Shoulder Pain. Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities within days.

Recovery Timeline
DAY 0

Procedure Day

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

DAY 1

Start Moving

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

WEEK 1

Back To Routine

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

MONTH 1

Improved Circulation

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

ONGOING

Long-Term Benefits

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

BENEFITS

How Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization  (TAME) for Chronic Shoulder Pain

Minimally invasive

Targets abnormal blood flow

No large incision or open surgery

May reduce chronic shoulder pain

May improve movement and daily activity

Same-day outpatient care

PATIENT STORIES

See What Recovery Can Look Like

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Which shoulder conditions may be treated with TAME?

Shoulder embolization has mainly been studied for persistent adhesive capsulitis, commonly called frozen shoulder, and chronic shoulder tendinopathy that has not improved with conservative treatment.

A medical evaluation and imaging are needed to determine whether your pain may be appropriate for treatment. (PubMed)

No. TAME does not reconnect or repair a torn tendon.

It may help reduce inflammation-related pain in selected patients with tendinopathy or certain partial tears, but a complete or unstable tear may require orthopedic evaluation and surgery.

A steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into or around the shoulder. Its effect may be temporary and varies between patients.

TAME uses a catheter to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with chronic inflammation. The most appropriate treatment depends on the cause of your pain and previous response to treatment.

The catheter access site is numbed using local anesthesia. You may feel a brief pinch or pressure when the anesthetic is administered.

Most patients feel little discomfort while the catheter is inside the artery. Tell our team immediately if you experience pain.

Results vary. Some patients may begin noticing changes within several weeks, while others experience gradual improvement over several months.

TAME does not guarantee complete pain relief, and not every patient responds in the same way.

TAME does not alter the bones, joint, or tendons, so it generally does not prevent future surgery.

Patients with significant structural damage may still require orthopedic treatment or surgery later.

Shoulder arterial embolization is an emerging treatment. Studies have reported encouraging improvements in pain, mobility, and function, particularly for treatment-resistant frozen shoulder and tendinopathy.

However, much of the available evidence comes from relatively small, nonrandomized studies. Larger controlled trials are still needed. (PubMed)

Coverage varies by insurance plan and may be limited because TAME for chronic shoulder pain is still an emerging treatment.

Our team will verify your benefits, authorization requirements, and possible out-of-pocket costs before scheduling treatment.

Call 661-324-4100 to discuss your insurance coverage.

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5020 Commerce Dr

5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309

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