A minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow associated with chronic shoulder inflammation, without open surgery.
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A thin catheter is inserted through a small puncture, typically near the groin.
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Contrast dye and live X-ray imaging identify the abnormal vessels supplying the inflamed area.
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Tiny particles are delivered into selected vessels to reduce abnormal blood flow and inflammation.
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The catheter is removed, a bandage is applied, and most patients return home the same day.
What to expect after TAME for Chronic Shoulder Pain. Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities within days.
Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.
Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.
Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.
Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.
Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.
How Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization (TAME) for Chronic Shoulder Pain
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, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Advanced minimally invasive treatments for knee pain, joint pain poor circulation, vein disease and chronic pain.
Helping patients find relief without major surgery.
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