Embolization

: A treatment that clogs small blood vessels and blocks the flow of blood, such as to a tumor.

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1. The formation and release of an embolus into the circulation. 2. Therapeutic introduction of various substances into the circulation to occlude vessels, either to arrest or prevent hemorrhaging, to devitalize a structure, tumor, or organ by occluding its blood supply, or to reduce blood flow to an arteriovenous malformation.

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em·bo·li·za·tion or Brit em·bo·li·sa·tion .em-bə-lə-'zā-shən n the process by which or state in which a blood vessel or organ is obstructed by the lodgment of a material mass (as an embolus) <pulmonary \embolization> <\embolization of a thrombus> also an operation in which pellets are introduced into the circulatory system in order to induce embolization in specific abnormal blood vessels

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n.

the introduction of embolic material to reduce or completely obstruct bloodflow in such conditions as congenital arteriovenous malformations (see angioma), angiodysplasia, malignant tumours, or arterial rupture. Under X-ray screening control, a cannula is inserted into the artery supplying the affected area and occluding material, such as microspheres, metallic coils, or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) foam, is injected. The procedure may treat the underlying problem or simplify subsequent surgery. See also bilateral uterine arterial embolization.

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em·bo·li·za·tion (em″bə-lĭ-zaґshən) 1. the process or condition of becoming an embolus. 2. therapeutic introduction of a substance into a vessel in order to occlude it; called also embolotherapy.