Hip Artery Embolization (HAE)

What is Hip Artery Embolization?

Hip artery embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce pain associated with GTPS. The procedure works by reducing abnormal blood flow to the inflamed bursa and tendons around the outside of the hip.

By blocking these extra blood vessels, inflammation is reduced, which can significantly improve or eliminate hip pain.

What is GTPS / Hip Bursitis?

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) (or hip bursitis) causes pain around the outer hip.

Inflammation of the bursae (a pocket of fluid that provides cushion around the leg bone) or irritation of the tendons in that area can cause the pain. GTPS affects the outer hip and can be mistaken for arthritis. While not arthritis, it involves inflammation and can cause discomfort. Treatments are available to help manage pain and improve function.

Is this surgery?

No. Hip Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. No incisions are required. A small catheter is placed through an artery in the leg (usually the foot), and the procedure is guided using real-time X-ray imaging.

How is the procedure performed?

On the day of your procedure, you will be brought into the procedure room and lie flat on the table. Your heart rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the procedure.

The skin on your leg will be cleaned to prevent infection, and numbing medicine will be applied. A small catheter is then inserted into an artery in your leg and guided to the arteries supplying the hip using X-ray guidance.

Once positioned, tiny particles are injected through the catheter to block excess blood flow to the inflamed area. This reduces inflammation and pain. The catheter is then removed, and pressure is applied to the access site.

Will the procedure be painful?

The beginning of the procedure may be slightly uncomfortable, especially during numbing medicine placement, but most patients tolerate it well. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel pain during the procedure.

Some mild discomfort or burning afterward is normal and usually improves quickly. Pain can typically be managed with ice and over-the-counter medications.

What are the discharge instructions?

After your hip artery embolization procedure, you may go home the same day. You will spend approximately 1–2 hours in the recovery area before discharge. It is normal to experience mild soreness, bruising, or a burning sensation around the treatment area and the site where the catheter was inserted.

If you received Xanax or sedation, do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain available if needed.

You may resume your normal diet immediately following the procedure.

Are there activity limitations after?

Yes. On the day of your procedure, limit your activities and get plenty of rest. Avoid physical exertion and heavy lifting greater than 10 pounds for the next three days while the access site heals. Slowly increase your activity as tolerated.

Showering is allowed with no restrictions. Most patients experience a complete recovery within 2–5 days. Depending on your job and physical demands, you may return to work during this time.

What are the side effects?

You may experience some mild discomfort following the procedure, including soreness, bruising, or a mild burning sensation around the treatment area or where the catheter was inserted. These symptoms are normal and usually improve within a few days. Discomfort can typically be managed with ice and over-the-counter pain medications as needed.

If you are having severe or worsening pain, notify the office immediately. If you develop severe swelling, increasing pain throughout the leg, or signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or fever, seek medical attention promptly or proceed to the emergency room.

How long does it take for the procedure to work?

Every patient responds differently to hip artery embolization. Some patients may begin to notice improvement in their pain within a few days following the procedure. For others, it may take several weeks for the full benefits to be realized.

As inflammation continues to decrease over time, pain relief and improved function may gradually occur. It is normal for improvement to be progressive rather than immediate. Keeping your follow-up appointments is important so your care team can monitor your progress and determine if additional treatment is needed.

What are the risks?

The complication rate for hip artery embolization is very low. As with any procedure where a catheter enters the body, there is a small risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the insertion site. Rarely, patients may develop a blood clot or experience increased pain or swelling.

Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon, since only numbing medicine and small particles are used. Be sure to notify your care team of any known allergies before the procedure.