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Empowering MSK Embolization: Discover Our Solutions

2/9/2026 -  



Therapy Concept and Evolution​​

Musculoskeletal embolotherapy (MSK‑ET) is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces chronic pain and inflammation by selectively embolizing abnormal neovessels¹,². Building on Dr. Yuji Okuno’s pioneering work³, the field has rapidly expanded over the past decade, with growing clinical indications and new embolic technologies4.​



Scope and Evidence** ​

MSK-ET addresses hypervascularity linked to osteoarthritis, overuse or sports-related injuries1,2,4,5​.

Clinical studies of genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis show meaningful pain and functional improvement, though sham‑controlled trials report mixed results—ranging from clear benefit to no significant difference when sham treatment also improved symptoms6-11​​.

Other treatment targets may include - ​
  • Shoulder (e.g. adhesive capsulitis)12
  • Hip (e.g. greater trochanteric pain syndrome)13​
  • Foot and ankle (e.g. plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy)14-15​
  • Elbow (e.g.  lateral epicondylitis a.k.a tennis elbow)16​
  • Other (e.g. temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, hand/wrist osteoarthritis, patellar tendinopathy, myofascial pain syndromes)17-20​


​Key Success Factors​

Patient Selection​
Ideal candidates have chronic pain unresponsive to conservative therapy and imaging evidence of abnormal hypervascularity correlating with symptoms. ​

Catheterization​
Technical success depends on precise navigation into small, tortuous branches supplying the pain generator. This requires microcatheters of exceptional trackability, with versatile tip shapes for selective access to challenging branches. Combined with a stable guiding system, this enables accurate positioning and controlled embolic delivery, minimizing the risk of non-target embolization.​

Embolic Agents​
Protocols generally use temporary embolics to reduce off-target ischemic risk, while permanent embolics are being explored for longer durability in selected cases. The choice, however, depends on operator's discretion.​

​​

Learn more about our solutions for MSK embolization

Progreat Lambda™
  • Ultra selective procedure with 1.7Fr and 1.9Fr options21
  • Greater vessel engagement with unique Triple Angle21

Learn more​

 

Radifocus™ Guide Wire GT With Gold Coil
  • Consistent performance with excellent shape memory
  • Atraumatic procedure with the tapered flexible tip


Angiographic Catheters​
Optimize Vessel Engagement with the Wide Range of Shapes 

Radifocus™ Glidecath™ Angiographic Catheter

Radifocus™ Optitorque™ Angiographic catheter
Learn more

Angio-Seal™ VIP Vascular Closure Device
To allow patients to ambulate safely as soon as possible after sheath removal
  • Indicated to use for common femoral artery with lumen diameter >4mm
  • Safe to use in antegrade and retrograde femoral punctures22
 



Explore resources designed to deepen your understanding of MSK embolization. From clinical insights to practical techniques, these materials will help you stay informed and confident in delivering advanced patient care.​


Discover an in-depth case report on MSK embolization, authored by a leading physician, showcasing real-world application, clinical reasoning, and outcomes that advance patient care.

See full publication


References

* IFU
** as of 2026 January

1. Ashraf N et al. J Endovasc Ther (2025):15266028251326770
2. Allaw S et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol (2025):107896
3. Okuno Y et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol (2013);24:787–792
4. van Zadelhoff T.A et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol (2025);36:979–987.e1
5. Okuno Y et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol (2017);28:161–167.e1
6. Callese T et al. Eur Radiol (2025);35:7617–7626
7. Cusumano L.R et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol (2024);35:1768–1775
8. Fleckenstein F.N et al. Radiology (2025);316:e243648
9. Bagla S et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol (2022);33:2–10.e2
10. Landers S et al. Bone Jt Open (2023);4:158–167
11. van Zadelhoff T.A et al. BMJ Open (2024);14:e087047
12. Fernández Martínez A et al. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol (2025);48:1759–1768
13. Giordani C.B et al. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol (2025);48:538–542
14. Sugihara E et al. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol (2025);48:1725–1734
15. Sasaki Tet al. Foot Ankle Surg (2025);31:105–110
16. Iwamoto W et al. J Shoulder Elbow Surg (2017);26:1335–1341
17. Fleckenstein F.N et al. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol (2025);48:1073
18. Kubo T et al. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol (2023);46:1375–1382
19. Inui S et al. Orthop J Sports Med (2025);13:23259671251337093
20. Huang Y.H et al. Diagnostics (2025);15:2496
21. Bench testing performed by TERUMO CLINICAL SUPPLY CO., LTD.. Data on file (2020-NMC-020, 2020-NMC-021, 2020-NMC-022, 2020-NMC-027, 2020-NMC-030). 
Bench test result may not necessarily be indicative of clinical performance. Read and follow the manufacturer’s IFU to be used with this product.
22. Chaudhuri A et al. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2014 Aug;48(2)2;220-5.​