Embolization

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Embolization is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists and interventional neuroradiologists involving selective occlusion of blood vessels, by purposely introducing emboli. It is used to treat such conditions as aneurysms, epistaxis, AVMs and uterine fibroids.

Emboli is the plural of embolus; an embolus is a foreign body purposefully introduced to the blood stream to block or occlude blood flow. Some forms of embolus include small coils, screens, PVC pellets, polyvinyl alcohol particles or metal sponges.