• Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization – TAME

TAME for Chronic Hip Pain

TARGET THE INFLAMMATION. RELIEVE THE HIP PAIN. MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE.

A minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow associated with chronic hip inflammation, without replacing the joint.

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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 Hip Pain Treatments

Hip Inflammation - Before & After TAME

Before (1)After (2)
MINIMAL INVASIVE TREATMENTS SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED
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 Hip 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) help

Minimally invasive

Targets abnormal blood flow

No large incision or open surgery

May reduce chronic pain

May improve walking and daily activity

Same-day outpatient care

PATIENT STORIES

See What Recovery Can Look Like

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Does TAME repair the hip joint?

No. TAME does not regrow cartilage, reshape damaged bone, or reverse osteoarthritis. It is designed to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with chronic inflammation around painful hip tissues. By calming that inflammatory process, TAME may reduce pain and improve function even though the underlying structural damage remains.

A steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication directly into the hip joint or surrounding painful tissue and typically provides temporary relief. TAME works through the blood vessels. A physician guides a very small catheter to the abnormal vessels supplying the inflamed area and treats them with embolic material.

TAME does not inject steroids into the joint. Neither treatment repairs lost cartilage.

Most patients tolerate TAME well. The catheter-entry site is numbed with local anesthetic, and medication may be provided to help you relax and remain comfortable. You may feel a brief pinch, pressure, or warmth when contrast is administered, but you should not feel the catheter moving through the blood vessels.

Mild soreness or bruising at the catheter-entry site can occur afterward. General anesthesia is usually not required, and most patients return home after a short observation period.

Its purpose is to reduce pain and improve function, not to repair the structural damage caused by arthritis.

Results vary, and not every patient responds to treatment the same. Your progress will be evaluated during follow-up visits.

The catheter-based embolization technique used during TAME is well established for treating many vascular conditions. 

Coverage varies by insurance company, plan, diagnosis, and medical-necessity requirements. 

Before treatment is scheduled, our team will verify your benefits, request authorization when required, and discuss your estimated financial responsibility.

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5020 Commerce Dr

5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309

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