image-guided procedure,
no incision on the elbow
with local anesthesia
and light sedation
strenuous activity and
sports around two weeks
Elbow pain can make everyday activities like gripping, lifting, opening containers, carrying objects, or reaching uncomfortable.
Persistent symptoms can interfere with golf, tennis, strength training, exercise, and other activities that involve the forearm.
When pain continues despite rest and conservative care, evaluating the underlying tendon condition can help determine what treatment options are available.
Effective treatment can help reduce the limitations caused by chronic elbow pain and support a return to normal activities.
Frequent gripping, carrying, or lifting can repeatedly load the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
Golf, tennis, baseball, weightlifting, and other activities involving repetitive wrist or forearm movements can contribute.
Jobs that require repetitive hand, wrist, or forearm movements may increase the risk of developing golfer's elbow.
Suddenly increasing exercise intensity, training volume, or physical workload can place additional stress on the tendons.
Weakness or improper movement patterns can increase the amount of stress placed on the elbow and forearm.
Tendons can become less resilient over time, making them more susceptible to repetitive strain and degeneration.
Reducing or temporarily changing activities that aggravate the elbow can give irritated tendons time to recover.
Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility, forearm strength, and movement mechanics.
Over-the-counter or prescription medications may help manage pain when medically appropriate.
A brace or support may help reduce stress on the affected tendon during certain activities.
Some patients may consider injections as part of their treatment plan, depending on their diagnosis and previous treatments.
Surgery may be considered when symptoms remain severe despite other treatment approaches.
For selected patients with chronic golfer's elbow who have not responded adequately to conservative care, TAE provides a minimally invasive treatment option that targets abnormal blood vessels associated with tendon inflammation.
Small catheter access. A small puncture is made in an artery, typically in the wrist or arm, and a thin catheter is inserted.
Image-guided navigation. Using real-time imaging, your physician carefully guides the catheter toward the vessels supplying the affected area of the elbow.
Identify abnormal vessels. Detailed imaging helps the interventional radiologist identify the abnormal vessels associated with the irritated tendon.
Targeted embolization. Tiny embolic materials are delivered through the catheter to selectively reduce blood flow through the targeted vessels.
Recovery. The catheter is removed and the access site is covered with a small dressing. TAE is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients typically return home the same day.
Go home the same day after a short period of observation.
No scalpel, no general anesthesia, providing a lower risk of infection or nerve injury.
Most patients can resume light daily activities soon after treatment.
We verify your benefits in advance and explain costs clearly.
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Approach | Typical setting | Surgical incision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transarterial Elbow Embolization (TAE) WHAT WE DO | Minimally invasive (pinhole) | Targets abnormal blood flow associated with tendon inflammation | Outpatient | No |
| Steroid injections | Non-surgical (injection) | Delivers medication near the affected area | Office/outpatient | No |
| Bracing | Non-invasive | Reduces stress on the affected tendon | Home/outpatient | No |
| Medication | Non-invasive | Helps manage pain and inflammation | At home | No |
| Tendon release surgery | Surgical | Repairs or releases damaged tendon tissue | Surgical facility | Yes |
Our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in image-guided, minimally invasive embolization procedures.
Advanced imaging allows your physician to identify and selectively target the small vessels involved in treatment.
TAE uses a catheter-based approach rather than surgically cutting, repairing, or releasing the affected tendon.
TAE is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home the same day.
Symptoms, imaging, treatment history, and activity goals help determine if TAE is appropriate.
TAE is available at Georgia Endovascular locations in Atlanta, Tucker, and Stockbridge.
3225 Cumberland Blvd. Southeast
Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30339
1975 Lakeside Pkwy
Suite 300
Tucker, GA 30084
1035 Southcrest Dr.
Suite 220 + 250
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a joint condition involving the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It commonly develops from repetitive gripping, lifting, throwing, or wrist movements.
No. Despite its name, golfer's elbow can affect anyone who repeatedly stresses the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Work, exercise, weightlifting, tennis, throwing sports, and other repetitive activities can all contribute.
TAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that targets abnormal blood vessels associated with chronic tendon inflammation. Tiny embolic materials are delivered through a catheter to selectively reduce blood flow through the targeted vessels.
TAE may be considered for patients with chronic golfer's elbow who continue to experience significant symptoms despite appropriate conservative treatment such as rest, physical therapy, medication, or activity modification. Georgia Endovascular currently identifies more than three months of persistent elbow pain despite conservative treatment as an important part of its candidacy criteria.
No. TAE is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure. It does not require an open incision through the elbow or surgical repair of the tendon.
TAE is performed using local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable. Some patients may experience temporary soreness or discomfort after the procedure.
The exact procedure time varies based on your anatomy and treatment plan. TAE is performed as an outpatient procedure, with additional time needed for preparation and recovery.
Yes. TAE is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients return home the same day.
The duration of benefit can vary. Clinical research on embolization for chronic tendon conditions is encouraging, but patients should discuss expected outcomes and the available evidence with their physician rather than assuming a specific duration of relief.
Yes. Transarterial Elbow Embolization may be used to treat chronic tendon conditions including golfer's elbow and tennis elbow, although the targeted vessels and treatment plan depend on the location and underlying condition.
Insurance coverage varies by plan and individual medical circumstances. Georgia Endovascular can help verify your benefits and explain your expected coverage before treatment.
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