Thyroid Artery Embolization for Goiters and Hyperthyroidism
Minimally Invasive Relief for Enlarged Thyroid and Overactive Thyroid Conditions
Joint & Vascular Institute
A Breakthrough Alternative to Thyroid Surgery
At Joint & Vascular Institute, we offer thyroid artery embolization (TAE) — an advanced, non-surgical treatment for enlarged thyroid (goiter) and overactive thyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease.
TAE works by blocking the blood supply to overactive or enlarged areas of the thyroid, reducing gland size and activity with no incision, no neck scar, and no need for thyroid removal 1,2.
Get Help for Goiters & Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
How It Works
Performed by our board-certified interventional radiologists, TAE is a same-day, minimally invasive procedure that:
- Maps arteries supplying the enlarged or overactive thyroid
- Blocks targeted vessels using sterile, medical-grade particles
- Shrinks the thyroid and relieves symptoms
- Preserves healthy thyroid tissue and hormone production
This approach allows you to avoid the risks, recovery time, and scarring associated with traditional surgery — with significantly faster relief.
Benefits of Thyroid Artery Embolization
- No neck incision or scar
- No general anesthesia or hospital stay
- Preserves thyroid function in most patients
- Rapid recovery — return to daily activities within 24 to 48 hours
- Avoids risks of thyroidectomy in patients unsuitable for surgery
- Clinically proven effectiveness across multiple patient studies 1,3
Joint & Vascular Institute
Am I a Candidate for Thyroid Embolization?
- Have a symptomatic goiter (neck swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing)
- Have hyperthyroidism and prefer a non-surgical option
- Have not responded well to medications or radioactive iodine
- Want to preserve thyroid function and avoid hormone replacement therapy 2,4
- Prefer a procedure without visible scarring or extensive recovery
Speak with our team to determine if TAE is the right solution for your thyroid condition.
Results & Clinical Evidence
TAE has been shown to offer dramatic and lasting symptom relief:
- Thyroid volume reduced from 147.0 mL to 62.6 mL (P < .001)
- Nodule volume reduced from 80.2 mL to 25.0 mL (P < .001)
- Intrathoracic extension reduced by more than 50%
- 86% of patients with non-Graves’ hyperthyroidism became euthyroid
- 98% of patients would recommend the procedure [1]
- 80%+ of patients in other studies reported improvement in compressive symptoms within 3 months [5][6]
Academic Level Care.
Just Next Door.
From your first consultation to every step of your treatment, our providers bring advanced expertise and a personalized approach that puts you first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thyroid Artery Embolization, and how does it work?
What results can I expect after Thyroid Artery Embolization?
- Major reduction in thyroid and nodule size
- Significant improvement in breathing, swallowing, and neck comfort
- High likelihood of maintaining thyroid function without the need for hormone replacement
- Long-term relief of compressive symptoms with low recurrence rates
How long does it take to recover?
- Most patients return home the same day
- Normal activities usually resume within 1–2 days
- Mild neck discomfort or sore throat may occur temporarily2
Are there any risks or side effects?
- Mild neck pain or discomfort
- Temporary swelling or bruising at the catheter site
- Rare unintended effects on non-target tissues (minimized with modern imaging)
- Temporary spike in thyroid hormone levels (transient hyperthyroidism)
- In rare cases, fever or thyroiditis-like symptoms post-procedure, which typically resolve with conservative management 4
Personalized, Expert Care at Joint & Vascular Institute
Our specialized interventional radiologists at the Joint & Vascular Institute take a personalized approach to your care. We thoroughly assess your thyroid condition, explain all treatment options, and create a customized plan to maximize your symptom relief and maintain your thyroid health.
Take the Next Step
Schedule a Consultation Today
If thyroid enlargement or hyperthyroidism is impacting your health and quality of life, thyroid artery embolization may be the solution you’ve been seeking.
Regain comfort. Restore mobility. Live pain-free.
References
[1]
Saim Yilmaz, Hatice Arıöz Habibi, Akin Yildiz, Hasan Altunbas.
Thyroid Embolization for Nonsurgical Treatment of Nodular Goiter: A Single-Center Experience in 56 Consecutive Patients.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Volume 32, Issue 10.
Link
[2]
Thyroid Artery Embolization vs. Ablation.
HMP Global Learning Network (VDM Presentation).
Link
[3]
Siskin GP, Stainken BF, Dowling K, Meo PW, Mandato K.
Thyroid artery embolization as a treatment for hyperthyroidism and large compressive goiters.
J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2002 Aug;13(8):875–80.
PubMed PMID: 12161479
[4]
Barraza MA, Martin LG, Sterbis JR, Ustunsoz B, Beall DP.
Selective thyroid artery embolization in a porcine model: preliminary findings.
J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2007 Mar;18(3):397–404.
PubMed PMID: 17354140
[5]
Zajick DC Jr, TH Omary RA, Bhargava P, Chrisman HB, Salem R.
Percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization of the thyroid gland in patients with large compressive goiters.
Radiology. 2002;224(3):823–829.
PubMed PMID: 12161479
[6]
Caggiati A, Lucatelli P, Basilico R, et al.
Thyroid Artery Embolization in Resistant Hyperthyroidism: A Promising Non-Surgical Option.
Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2021;44(10):1623–1630.
PubMed PMID: 34256121