Shoulder Artery Embolization

Chronic shoulder pain can make everyday activities like reaching overhead, getting dressed, exercising, or even sleeping difficult. Shoulder artery embolization (SAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve chronic shoulder pain caused by osteoarthritis and other inflammatory shoulder conditions.

If you’ve tried medications, injections, or physical therapy without lasting relief, this advanced procedure may help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and restore function.

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What is shoulder artery embolization?

Shoulder artery embolization (SAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that targets abnormal blood vessels contributing to chronic shoulder inflammation and pain.

In many shoulder conditions, ongoing inflammation leads to the formation of tiny abnormal blood vessels around damaged tissues. These vessels can stimulate pain-sensitive nerves and perpetuate the inflammatory cycle. SAE works by selectively blocking these abnormal vessels while preserving normal blood flow to healthy tissue.

By reducing excess blood flow and inflammation, SAE can help decrease pain, improve shoulder function, and increase range of motion. Because SAE addresses a source of inflammation rather than simply masking symptoms, it offers a targeted treatment approach for chronic shoulder pain. This procedure may offer relief for patients who want to avoid surgery or have not experienced adequate improvement with conservative treatments.

Who is a candidate for shoulder artery embolization?

SAE may be an option if you:

Have chronic shoulder pain caused by osteoarthritis or after joint replacement surgery
Have adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
Experience pain from chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy
Have persistent shoulder inflammation that limits daily activities
Have not achieved sufficient relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy
Want to avoid or delay shoulder surgery
Are not a candidate for surgery due to medical concerns

The specialists at Twin Cities Pain Clinic will evaluate your symptoms, imaging studies, and medical history to determine whether shoulder artery embolization is an appropriate treatment for your condition.

What to expect during the procedure

The procedure is performed using advanced imaging technology in a specialized treatment suite.

You will lie comfortably on an examination table while your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are monitored throughout the procedure.

Your skin will be cleansed and numbed with local anesthetic before a small catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the arm. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will navigate the catheter to the arteries supplying the inflamed portion of the shoulder. Once the abnormal blood vessels have been identified, tiny embolic particles are delivered to reduce excess blood flow.

After treatment is completed, the catheter is removed and gentle pressure is applied to the access site.

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

What to expect after the procedure

Most patients spend a short time in the recovery area before being discharged home.

Recovery expectations include:

Mild soreness at the catheter insertion site
Temporary shoulder discomfort as the inflammatory response decreases
Minimal activity restrictions for several days
Gradual return to normal activities
Continued improvement in pain and function over the following weeks

Many patients notice improvement within several weeks, although individual results may vary depending on the severity and duration of their condition.

Because SAE does not require large incisions or surgical repair, recovery is typically much faster than traditional shoulder surgery.

Benefits of shoulder artery embolization

Potential benefits of shoulder artery embolization include:

Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
Reduced shoulder pain
Improved range of motion
Increased ability to perform daily activities
Minimal recovery time
Reduced dependence on pain medications
Potential alternative to surgery
Quick return to normal routines

Shoulder artery embolization at Twin Cities Pain Clinic

If chronic shoulder pain is preventing you from enjoying life, shoulder artery embolization may provide the relief you’ve been looking for.

Our experienced team utilizes advanced image-guided techniques to deliver targeted treatments focused on reducing inflammation and improving quality of life.

Contact Twin Cities Pain Clinic today to learn more about shoulder artery embolization and schedule your consultation.