A vascular embolisation involves the placement of a plastic intravenous tube (catheter) into either an artery or a vein. Some numbing medicine will be injected in the skin over the artery or vein that will be used before the catheter is inserted. Intravenous medications may also be given to you to make you more comfortable and relaxed. This is known as conscious sedation.
Once the catheter has been placed into the artery or vein, it will be advanced through the blood vessels. During this time, x-ray contrast material (x-ray dye) will be injected through the catheter and x-ray pictures will be taken. You may be asked to hold your breath while in the process. During the injection of x-ray contrast material, you may experience a warm feeling or a strange taste in your mouth. Both of these sensations are temporary and will go away soon.
Once the catheter is placed into the vessel to be embolised, the embolisation agents will be injected until there is no more blood flow through that vessel. At the completion of the procedure, the catheter will be removed and pressure will be applied to the insertion site until the bleeding has stopped. If an artery in either your arm or leg was used for the procedure, it will be very important for you to lie flat in bed without moving your arm or leg for up to six hours.