The procedure is performed under aseptic conditions in the angiography suite. During the procedure, local anaesthesia (pain killer) is injected into the skin at the access site to prevent discomfort. An injection of a mild sedative is also given to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
This procedure is performed in patients with large bone tumours prior to surgery, to reduce the blood flow to the tumour and thereby minimise the blood loss during the surgery. Through a pin hole access in the groin, a fine tube (catheter) is inserted into the blood vessels supplying the tumour. An angiogram is performed to identify and selectively enter the branches closest to the tumour. Then these branches are blocked to cut off the blood flow to the tumour by 80-90%.