TAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to the thyroid gland to treat certain thyroid conditions such as symptomatic thyroid nodules or multinodular goiters.

Both TAE and ablation are minimally invasive, non-surgical alternatives to treat benign thyroid nodules. Both procedures work by shrinking the nodule to reduce symptoms, without removing the entire thyroid gland. During an ablation procedure, the doctor places a thin needle through the skin directly into the nodule and uses heat or another method to destroy the tissue right away. This makes ablation a good option for smaller or solid nodules. In TAE, the doctor guides a small tube through the blood vessels (usually from a small puncture in the wrist or groin) to block the blood supply to the nodule so it shrinks over time. This makes TAE a good option for large nodules and multi-nodular goiters.

Yes. Some patients with thyroid nodules or multinodular goiters may be candidates for non-surgical treatments such as thyroid artery embolization (TAE) or ablation. These treatments target only the nodules or goiter, rather than removing the entire thyroid gland. Because the thyroid may be preserved, it can often continue to function after the procedure, which may reduce or eliminate the need for lifelong thyroid medication. Consult with your physician to see if a non-surgical treatment option is right for you.

During TAE, tiny particles are delivered to the thyroid gland through a very thin, flexible tube called a microcatheter. During PED-TAE, a specialized microcatheter system (like the TriNav Infusion System) is used to deliver the particles to the treatment area. Because this specialized microcatheter is designed to help control particle delivery, PED-TAE may help deliver the particles more effectively than a traditional microcatheter. Talk to your doctor to determine which procedure is right for you.

Patients that might be considered for TAE are those with non-cancerous thyroid nodules or multinodular goiters that cause symptoms such as neck pressure, difficulty swallowing, or cosmetic concerns. Talk to your doctor to determine if this treatment is for you.

Using live x-ray imaging, an Interventional Radiologist inserts a specialized microcatheter system (like the TriNav Infusion System) through a small opening, most commonly in a patient’s wrist or groin, and guides it to the treatment area. Tiny particles are then injected through the tube to block the blood supply to the thyroid nodule or goiter. Without this blood flow, the nodule or goiter may stop growing and can shrink over time to relieve symptoms.

With any medical procedure, there are potential risks. Consult your physician to learn more.

PED-TAE is usually an outpatient procedure which means that most patients may be able to go home the same day and may return to many normal activities within a few days. There is usually some neck discomfort that likely will resolve in a few days.

Most patients may not require lifelong hormone replacement because PED-TAE preserves the organ. Thyroid hormone levels may increase in the first few weeks after the procedure, then return to normal levels. Your physician will monitor hormone levels until they normalize.

PED-TAE involves a tiny puncture in the skin, usually in the wrist or groin, so there is typically little to no visible scarring.

PED-TAE is typically performed by an Interventional Radiologist or another physician trained in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. These specialists use advanced imaging technology to precisely guide the microcatheter and deliver treatment to the targeted arteries.