Hip Artery Embolization

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Relief for Chronic Hip Pain

If chronic hip pain is limiting your mobility and quality of life, and you are not ready or a candidate for hip surgery, Hip Artery Embolization (HipE) may be the breakthrough, non-surgical hip pain treatment you have been looking for. This innovative, minimally invasive procedure can provide meaningful, lasting pain relief without surgery.

Understanding Chronic Hip Pain

Chronic hip pain is commonly caused by hip osteoarthritis or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), also known as trochanteric bursitis. Hip osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually wears down, while GTPS results from degeneration of the tendons and bursa along the outer hip.

But chronic hip pain is more than just “wear and tear.” Research has shown that chronic inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularity) around the affected joint or tendons play a critical role in driving pain—and this is exactly what HipE targets.

How Common Is Chronic Hip Pain?

Chronic hip pain is a common condition, affecting a significant portion of adults over 40:

• 1 in 4 lifetime risk of developing symptomatic hip osteoarthritis
• 15% of women aged 50 to 70 experience greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)
• 4x more common in women than men
• 40–60 is the typical age range for GTPS onset

GTPS is one of the most common causes of lateral hip pain in adults, and is often mistaken for arthritis or lower back pain.

Common Symptoms

• Groin or outer hip pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the hip
• Tenderness over the outer hip or groin
• Pain that worsens when lying on the affected side
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a seated position
• Pain that may radiate into the thigh, buttock, or knee

For many patients, these symptoms progressively worsen over time, leading to decreased mobility, difficulty with daily activities, and a significant decline in quality of life.

What Is Hip Artery Embolization (HipE)?

Hip Artery Embolization—also known as hip embolization or transarterial embolization (TAE)—is an innovative, image-guided endovascular procedure that addresses one of the key drivers of chronic hip pain: the abnormal blood vessels (neovascularity) that form around the hip joint or the tendons and bursa on the outer hip.

These tiny, abnormal vessels deliver inflammatory chemicals directly to the affected area, fueling a cycle of chronic pain and inflammation. HipE 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 hip.

The result: significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life—without surgery, without incisions, and without a lengthy recovery. For many patients, HipE serves as an effective alternative to hip surgery and a non-surgical treatment for chronic hip pain.

Proven Results Backed by Clinical Evidence

HipE is backed by prospective clinical studies, including research with follow-up extending to 12 months:

50%+  reduction in pain scores achieved by responders in published studies

12-Month  follow-up data show sustained improvement in pain and function

Same-Day  outpatient procedure with rapid recovery

Key Clinical Findings

• Across multiple prospective clinical studies, HipE has demonstrated significant improvements in pain and hip function, measured using validated tools such as the WOMAC index and the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS).
• HipE has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in published studies, with no reported need for urgent conversion to hip replacement surgery following treatment.
• Clinical success, defined as a 50% or greater reduction in pain scores, has been achieved by a majority of appropriately selected patients in published studies.
• HipE has been studied for both hip osteoarthritis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome, including patients who were not candidates for hip replacement surgery.
• HipE is a well-established application of transarterial embolization, an interventional radiology technique supported by growing clinical interest and ongoing research at academic centers.
• Clinical results show that HipE can help patients avoid or delay the need for hip surgery, allowing them to pursue a less invasive path to relief first.

Clinical research shows that HipE is an effective option for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant hip pain who have not responded to conservative therapies—offering a non-surgical path to relief, including for patients who are not eligible for hip replacement surgery.

HipE vs. Hip Surgery: How They Compare

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

Benefits of HipE

No Surgery, No Incisions. HipE targets the inflammatory source of hip pain without cutting into the joint or tendons.

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. Published studies show sustained improvement in pain and function through 12 months of follow-up, with longer-term research ongoing.

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

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

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

What to Expect

Before Your Procedure

• Comprehensive consultation to evaluate your hip pain, imaging, and treatment history
• Review of X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the source of hip pain and suitability for HipE
• Discussion of your pain management goals and expected outcomes

During the Procedure

• A tiny access point is created at the hip — no separate incision
• A microcatheter is guided to the small arteries supplying the hip joint or outer hip tendons using real-time imaging
• Microscopic particles are delivered to block abnormal inflammatory vessels
• The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes
• You remain comfortable under moderate sedation, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist

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 mobility and comfort over time as inflammation subsides
• No physical therapy required (though it may complement results)

Is HipE Right for You?

HipE may be an excellent option if you:

• Have chronic hip pain from hip osteoarthritis or greater trochanteric pain syndrome
• Have not found adequate relief from physical therapy, medications, or injections
• Are not ready for or wish to avoid hip surgery
• Want a minimally invasive, outpatient solution with rapid recovery
• Experience hip pain that disrupts your sleep or daily activities
• Have other health conditions that make surgery high-risk

Why Choose Us?

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

• Offering the most advanced, innovative treatments for chronic hip 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 mobility and return to the activities they love