TAME (Transarterial Micro-Embolization)

TAME — Transarterial Micro-Embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that treats chronic musculoskeletal pain by targeting the abnormal small blood vessels that grow in inflamed tissue around joints and tendons. Using a microcatheter guided under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) imaging, tiny embolic particles are delivered precisely into these pathological vessels — reducing the abnormal blood supply that drives pain, without surgery and without general anesthesia. TAME is performed at Buffalo Vascular Care as an outpatient, same-day procedure — consistent with our approach to all minimally invasive treatments.

In chronic musculoskeletal conditions, repeated injury or sustained inflammation triggers the body to grow abnormal new blood vessels (pathological neovascularization) into the affected tissue — tendons, joint linings, bursae. These abnormal vessels bring pain-amplifying nerve fibers with them. Unlike normal healing vessels, they don't resolve on their own and instead sustain a cycle of chronic inflammation and pain. TAME works by selectively blocking these pathological vessels while preserving circulation in healthy surrounding tissue — quieting the inflammatory pain cycle at its source, rather than masking symptoms.

TAME can be used for a range of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions driven by pathological neovascularization, including: knee osteoarthritis (also treated as Genicular Artery Embolization / GAE); frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis); Achilles tendinopathy; plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain); tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis); golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis); rotator cuff tendinopathy; patellar tendinopathy; greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip); and trapezius myalgia. TAME is most appropriate when conservative treatment hasn't provided lasting relief and surgery is not preferred.

GAE (Genicular Artery Embolization) is TAME applied specifically to the knee joint — when embolization targets the genicular arteries for knee osteoarthritis, it's called GAE. TAME is the broader category: the same technique applied to other joints and tendons throughout the body (shoulder, elbow, heel, hip, and more). Both use the same mechanism — microscopic embolic particles delivered under image guidance to abnormal inflammatory vessels. At Buffalo Vascular Care, both are available and are selected based on your specific location and pain profile.

TAME is well-suited for patients who: have had chronic musculoskeletal pain for 3–6 months or longer; have tried conservative treatments — physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections — without sufficient or lasting relief; want to avoid or delay surgery; and have imaging evidence (MRI or Doppler ultrasound performed in our IAC-accredited vascular lab) of abnormal neovascularization at the painful site. A consultation and imaging review with our interventional team determines whether TAME is right for you.

TAME sits between injections and surgery — more targeted and durable than injections, far less invasive than surgery.

TAME is performed in our interventional suite by Dr. Azher Iqbal under live X-ray (fluoroscopic) image guidance. A tiny skin puncture is made — no surgical incision. A microcatheter is advanced through the artery to the vessels feeding the inflamed target. Microscopic embolic particles are injected precisely into the abnormal neovascular tissue. Healthy surrounding blood flow is preserved. The procedure takes approximately 60–120 minutes depending on the target area and vessel anatomy. Local anesthesia is used throughout — no general anesthesia required. Patients are discharged the same day.

TAME has minimal downtime. Most patients resume light daily activities within a few days; experience gradual pain reduction over weeks as abnormal vessel activity subsides — not immediate relief; see continued improvement for several months post-procedure; and are restricted from strenuous activity and impact loading during early recovery. Our team provides individualized aftercare instructions and follow-up to monitor your progress. Download and complete patient forms ahead of your visit to streamline your appointment.

Published studies and systematic reviews support TAME as safe and effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain that hasn't responded to conservative care. For Achilles tendinopathy, a multicenter study of 82 patients showed pain scores improving from 6.7 to 1.5 out of 10 over 24 months, with 81.7% achieving clinical success (≥50% pain reduction) at 12 months. Studies on knee osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, and lateral epicondylitis have shown consistent pain reduction and functional improvement. TAME is an evolving field — results vary by condition, anatomy, and disease severity, which is why a thorough pre-procedural evaluation is essential.

Coverage varies. TAME is a relatively recent development in interventional radiology and not all insurers have established policies for every indication. Our team will verify your benefits and discuss self-pay options if needed — including for Canadian and international self-pay patients. Call (716) 852-1977 before scheduling for a coverage check. Related procedures like GAE may have different coverage status depending on your plan.

TAME is part of Buffalo Vascular Care's expanding portfolio of embolization-based treatments — alongside GAE for knee osteoarthritis and Hemorrhoid Embolization. Our broader interventional services include Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), Spine Compression Fracture treatment, non-surgical Dialysis Access creation, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy through our integrated wound care clinic. For patients whose musculoskeletal pain coexists with vascular disease — PAD, venous insufficiency, or non-healing wounds — our interventional team evaluates and treats both the pain source and its vascular contributors under one roof. Learn more about our practice and team.

Call (716) 852-1977, Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM EST, or request an appointment online. Bring any available imaging — MRI, Doppler ultrasound, or X-rays — to your consultation. You can also download and complete patient forms ahead of your visit to save time. We see patients at 6337 Transit Rd and 6301 Transit Rd, Suite B in Depew, and 215 Summit St in Batavia, NY. A referral is helpful but not required. Referring physicians can find resources on our physician resources page.