Transarterial Musculoskeletal Embolization (TAME)
Minimally invasive relief for arthritic joint and tendon pain
done in our office-based interventional suite.
For further information or for setting up an appointment please call: 716.852.1977
What is TAME?
• Arthritic joints and injured tendons often develop excess tiny blood vessels and nerves that drive pain.
• TAME gently reduces this abnormal blood flow using a tiny catheter and absorbable particles.
• By treating the overactive inflammatory tissue, patients often experience less pain, less swelling, and improved function.
• Where it’s done: in our office-based interventional suite by the same team that sees you in clinic and follows you after treatment.
Request an appointment today to discuss your nonsurgical solution to treating pain associated with osteoarthritis and tendonitis (inflamed tendons).
Are you suffering from any of these symptoms?
Common reasons for referral – Knee osteoarthritis pain, shoulder, elbow, heel (plantar fasciitis), hip, and other tendinopathies – Persistent joint pain more than 6 months and not responsive to oral medications, injections (including steroid injections) and physical therapy. Patients hoping to delay or avoid surgery or reduce steroid injection frequency.
Screening note (mechanical/structural caveat): TAME targets the inflammatory pain driver. If your pain is primarily from mechanical problems (gross instability, full-thickness tendon rupture), we will discuss other options or combined care.
Are You a Candidate?
Good candidates generally have: – Pain for > 3–6 months despite conservative care (PT, braces, NSAIDs, limited injections) – Focal tenderness over the painful area that matches imaging – Imaging showing inflammatory changes (synovitis, enthesitis, neovessels) without a dominant mechanical failure – Willingness to participate in a structured rehab/physical therapy plan after the procedure
Not a candidate (or better served by other care) if you have: – Uncontrolled infection, fever, or open infected wounds near the treatment area – Major mechanical instability – Allergy to iodinated contrast that cannot be pre-treated, or severe kidney failure without alternatives – Pregnancy, or inability to lie flat for the procedure
How Is TAME Performed
(Step‑by‑Step)
1. Local numbing & light sedation
You are awake and comfortable; no general anesthesia.
2. Tiny access
3. Roadmap Angiogram
4. Micro‑Catheter Navigation
5. Targeted Micro‑Embolization
6. Confirm & Finish
7. Home the Same Day
* Typical procedure time: about 45–90 minutes depending on the area and anatomy.
Benefits of Our Approach
• No surgery
• Office-based convenience with hospital-grade safety standards
• No general anesthesia, instead we use light sedation and local anesthesia
• Absorbable embolic technique designed to treat inflammation while preserving normal blood vessels
• Multiple vascular access options (wrist, groin, or ankle) tailored to comfort and safety
• Continuity of care: The same team evaluates, treats, and follows you
What to Expect After
• Same-day discharge; most return to light activity in 24–48 hours
• Stiffness, Soreness or “post-embolization ache” for 1 to 2 weeks is common and manageable with OTC meds
• Pain relief often begins within days, with continued improvement over 1–3 months as inflammation settles
• We’ll see you in clinic for routine follow-up
LIFE CHANGING
Results
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We target the abnormal overgrowth of tiny vessels driving pain. The main vessels that nourish bone and muscle are preserved.
Steroids reduce inflammation briefly. TAME addresses / treats the pain cycle by directly treating the inflammatory tissue and the nerve endings for a more durable / longer-lasting pain relief.
Yes. TAME/GAE does not prevent future surgery and may help you delay or better prepare for it.
We use an absorbable embolic in most cases. Your doctor will explain the plan for your anatomy.
Some patients with persistent inflammatory pain after surgery can still benefit. We will assess you carefully. You might be a candidate for this procedure:
- If no infection of the joint is present
- No mechanical issues with your joint prosthesis are identified by your orthopedic physician
Why Buffalo Vascular Care
Experienced Interventional Radiology team focused on musculoskeletal embolization
Central location near major highways and Canadian border
Same trusted team throughout your treatment duration and follow up
Patient-centered care in a comfortable outpatient setting
Preparing for Your Consult Visit
• Bring prior imaging (x-rays, MRI, ultrasound if available)
• Medication list (including blood thinners)
Preparing for Your Procedure
• Arrange a ride home (same-day discharge)
• Take medicines as directed (we’ll review blood thinners, diabetes meds)
• Fasting instructions if needed
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Okuno Y., et al. Transcatheter arterial embolization for chronic musculoskeletal pain. (cohort/review)
• Society of Interventional Radiology guidance statements on GAE/TAME
• Additional peer-reviewed studies on knee OA, shoulder, elbow, and plantar fasciitis applications
A provider‑level slide deck with detailed data and citations is available upon request.