Hand Artery Embolization

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Relief for Hand and Thumb Arthritis Pain

If hand or thumb arthritis is limiting your grip and fine motor function, and you are not ready or a candidate for hand surgery, Hand Artery Embolization (HAE) may be the breakthrough, non-surgical hand pain treatment you have been looking for. This innovative, minimally invasive procedure can provide meaningful, lasting pain relief without surgery.

Understanding Hand and Thumb Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hand commonly affects the base of the thumb (the carpometacarpal, or CMC, joint) as well as the finger joints. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions these small joints gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced grip strength.

But hand and thumb arthritis is more than just “wear and tear.” Research has shown that chronic inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularity) around the affected joints play a critical role in driving pain—and this is exactly what HAE targets.

How Common Is Hand and Thumb Arthritis?

Hand osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, particularly affecting the thumb base and finger joints:

• 15% of adults over age 30 are affected by thumb base (CMC) arthritis
• 2/3 of women over age 55 develop thumb base arthritis
• DIP joints (closest to the fingertips) are the most commonly affected hand joints
• 4x more common in women than men

Hand arthritis can affect grip strength and fine motor skills, making everyday tasks like opening jars, turning keys, and writing increasingly difficult.

Common Symptoms

• Pain that worsens with gripping, pinching, or repetitive hand use
• Morning stiffness that gradually loosens throughout the day
• Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb or finger joints
• A grinding or crackling sensation (crepitus) during movement
• Reduced grip strength and difficulty with pinching or fine motor tasks
• Visible joint enlargement or bony nodules at the finger joints

For many patients, these symptoms progressively worsen over time, leading to decreased hand function, difficulty at work, and a significant decline in quality of life.

What Is Hand Artery Embolization (HAE)?

Hand Artery Embolization—also known as hand embolization or transarterial embolization (TAE)—is an innovative, image-guided endovascular procedure that addresses one of the key drivers of hand and thumb arthritis pain: the abnormal blood vessels (neovascularity) that form around the affected joints.

These tiny, abnormal vessels deliver inflammatory chemicals directly to the joint, fueling a cycle of chronic pain and swelling. HAE works by selectively blocking these abnormal vessels using microscopic particles delivered through a tiny catheter—reducing inflammation at its source while preserving normal blood flow to the hand.

The result: significant pain relief, improved grip strength, and a better quality of life—without surgery, without incisions, and without a lengthy recovery. For many patients, HAE serves as an effective alternative to hand surgery and a non-surgical treatment for hand and thumb arthritis.

Emerging Evidence and Clinical Research

HAE is an emerging application of transarterial embolization, an established interventional radiology technique. Early pilot studies have shown promising results:

Early Pilot Data  shows improvement in pain and hand function

Same-Day  outpatient procedure with rapid recovery

Single  tiny wrist access point, no incisions

Key Clinical Findings

• In early pilot studies, HAE has demonstrated reductions in pain and improvements in hand function, measured using validated tools such as the Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN).
• HAE has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in early clinical studies, with research ongoing to further establish long-term outcomes.
• Imaging has confirmed that abnormal hypervascularity at affected joints, including the thumb base and finger joints, diminishes following treatment.
• HAE has been studied for both thumb base (CMC) arthritis and finger joint arthritis, with encouraging early results for patients resistant to conservative treatment.
• As an emerging application of an established embolization technique, HAE is supported by growing clinical interest and ongoing research at leading academic centers.
• Early results suggest that HAE may help patients avoid or delay the need for hand surgery, allowing them to pursue a less invasive path to relief first.

Clinical research shows that HAE is a promising option for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant hand and thumb arthritis who have not responded to conservative therapies—offering a novel, non-surgical path to relief.

HAE vs. Hand Surgery: How They Compare

HAE is not a replacement for hand surgery — it is an alternative for patients who are not ready for, or want to avoid, a surgical procedure:

Benefits of HAE

No Surgery, No Incisions. HAE targets the inflammatory source of hand and thumb pain without cutting into the joint.

Outpatient Procedure. Go home the same day—typically within just a few hours.

Rapid Recovery. Resume all normal daily activities within 24 hours in most cases.

Lasting Relief. Early studies show sustained improvement in pain and hand function, with longer-term research ongoing.

Avoid or Delay Surgery. HAE offers an effective option for patients who want to avoid or postpone hand surgery.

Precision, Image-Guided Treatment. Advanced imaging technology allows for highly targeted treatment of only the abnormal vessels contributing to pain.

Repeatable. HAE can be repeated if needed, without the complexity of revision surgery.

What to Expect

Before Your Procedure

• Comprehensive consultation to evaluate your hand pain, imaging, and treatment history
• Review of X-rays or ultrasound to confirm the location and severity of arthritis and suitability for HAE
• Discussion of your pain management goals and expected outcomes

During the Procedure

• A tiny access point is created in the wrist — no hand incision
• A microcatheter is guided to the small arteries supplying the affected hand or thumb joint using real-time imaging
• Microscopic particles are delivered to block abnormal inflammatory vessels
• The procedure typically takes 30 minutes
• The procedure is performed under local anesthesia only, with no sedation required

After the Procedure

• You go home the same day
• Resume all normal activities within 24 hours
• Pain relief may begin within weeks, with continued improvement over several months
• Continued improvement in grip strength and comfort over time as inflammation subsides
• No physical therapy required (though it may complement results)

Is HAE Right for You?

HAE may be an excellent option if you:

• Have chronic pain from thumb base (CMC) or finger joint arthritis
• Have not found adequate relief from splinting, medications, or injections
• Are not ready for or wish to avoid hand surgery
• Want a minimally invasive, outpatient solution with rapid recovery
• Rely on grip strength and fine motor skills for your work or daily activities
• Have other health conditions that make surgery high-risk

Why Choose Us?

Pain & Vascular Institute is at the forefront of hand artery embolization—with expertise in clinical trials and the latest evidence-based techniques. We are committed to:

• Offering the most advanced, innovative treatments for hand and thumb arthritis pain
• Providing personalized care plans based on each patient’s unique condition and goals
• Utilizing cutting-edge imaging technology for maximum precision and safety
• Helping patients regain grip strength and return to the activities and work they rely on