Thyroid artery embolization (TAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat thyroid conditions such as goiters or thyroid nodules without surgery. It works by blocking the blood supply to specific parts of the thyroid gland, causing the treated area to shrink over time. This is only performed by a Vascular and Interventional Radiologist trained in embolization techniques.
This treatment uses tiny particles to block blood flow in targeted thyroid arteries. Some patients worry about these particles—are they safe? Will they stay in the body forever?
Thyroid Embolization Particles: What are they Made of
Embolization particles are small, biocompatible materials. This means they are safe to stay in your body and don’t cause harmful reactions. Here are the most commonly used types:
- Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA): Irregular or spherical particles that are non-resorbable (they don’t dissolve).
- Trisacryl Gelatin Microspheres (like Embospheres): Soft, round, and uniform particles designed to block vessels in a controlled way.
- HydroPearls or Bead Block: Round particles that are hydrophilic (they absorb water) and provide predictable blockage of the blood vessel.
These materials are designed to stay in place permanently inside the thyroid tissue. They are non-toxic and have been used safely in the body for many years. Similar particles are also used in other areas, like the liver, lungs, uterus, and to stop internal bleeding.
Thyroid Embolization Particles: Safety
The particles used in thyroid artery embolization are:
- Biocompatible – they don’t cause harmful reactions in your body.
- Sterile and inert – they don’t grow bacteria or cause inflammation.
- Non-carcinogenic – they do not cause cancer.
- Non-migratory – they stay exactly where they are placed and do not travel elsewhere in the body.
These particles are FDA-approved for use inside blood vessels. In fact, materials similar to these are already used in many medical procedures, including for tumors, nosebleeds, and uterine fibroids.
Thyroid Embolization Particles – Permanent?
Yes – and that’s a good thing. Permanent embolization ensures that the treated part of the thyroid won’t grow back or receive blood flow again. This long-lasting effect means that the treatment works well and usually only needs to be done once.
TAE: Common Questions from Patients
No. The particles are too big to enter the general bloodstream. They are carefully delivered under imaging guidance, and they stay in the exact arteries that feed the targeted thyroid tissue.
The particles are sterile when delivered and are not a source of infection. Infections after embolization are very rare and usually caused by other factors, not the particles themselves.
No. These particles are invisible on most scans (they are radiolucent), so they won’t affect ultrasounds, CTs, or MRIs in the future.
Thyroid Artery Embolization Success Rate
TAE is especially useful for shrinking large goiters or nodules that cause symptoms like pressure, trouble swallowing, or cosmetic concerns.
Success Rates:
Studies have shown that most patients experience symptom relief, with goiter or nodule size shrinking significantly in the months after treatment.
Size Reduction:
The thyroid tissue treated with embolization usually shrinks by 30–60% within the first 3–6 months.
Durability:
In most cases, the treatment is permanent. Additional treatments are rarely needed unless new nodules develop.
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Thyroid Artery Embolization Recovery
Recovery from TAE is usually very fast. Here’s what to expect:
| Aspect | TAE |
|---|---|
|
Anesthesia |
Local with twilight sedation (no general) |
|
Hospital stay |
None, Outpatient |
|
Return to work |
2–3 days |
|
Pain management |
Mild pain, usually oral meds only |
|
Resuming activities |
Within a few days |
In contrast, thyroid surgery may require a week or more off work and can leave a visible neck scar. Some patients also worry about surgical risks like voice changes, low calcium levels, or longer recovery.
Risks of TAE Embolization vs. Surgery
Risks of Embolization:
- Mild pain or swelling in the neck for a few days
- Low risk of infection
- Small chance of unintended embolization (minimized with imaging guidance)
- Temporary fatigue or low-grade fever (post-embolization syndrome)
Risks of Thyroid Surgery:
- General anesthesia risks
- Bleeding or wound complications
- Permanent scar on the neck
- Risk of damage to vocal cords or nearby glands
- Longer recovery time
For many patients, embolization offers a safer and easier alternative to surgery—especially when preserving thyroid function or avoiding a scar is important.
Choosing the Right Embolic Particle
Doctors may choose from several embolic types depending on your thyroid anatomy and the size of the nodules:
- Embospheres – Preferred for predictable flow and uniform size
- HydroPearls – Smooth delivery and stable placement
- PVA – Well-known and cost-effective
At our practice, our doctor chooses the safest and most appropriate particle for each case. We also use advanced imaging and techniques to deliver the treatment precisely and minimize the number of particles used.
Thyroid artery embolization is a safe, effective option for patients with large thyroid nodules or goiters. The tiny particles used in this procedure are well-studied, permanent, and have been used in medicine for decades.
For patients who want a less invasive solution, a quicker recovery, and no neck scar, embolization is a promising alternative to surgery.
If you’re considering thyroid artery embolization or want to learn more, contact our team to schedule a consultation.
Contact Us Today
Request an appointment to meet with our RFA specialist who will review your imaging, labs and history to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, and the outcomes you can expect. Each person is an individual and should discuss the potential risks and benefits of thyroid RFA with our doctor to decide if this is the best option.
Appointments are available via an online video telehealth platform or in person in Los Angeles, California. Why should you choose us? Read here.
- Zhang Q et al. “Superselective Embolization for Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Feasibility and Safety Study.” Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2015.
- Radeleff B et al. “Embolization of Benign Thyroid Nodules: Effects on Nodule Volume and Thyroid Function.” Eur Radiol. 2007.
