image-guided procedure,
no incision on the elbow
with local anesthesia
and light sedation
strenuous activity and
sports around two weeks
Tennis elbow can make gripping tools, carrying bags, opening containers, or holding everyday objects painful.
Persistent elbow pain can interfere with tennis, golf, weightlifting, exercise, and other activities that involve your wrist and forearm.
When pain continues for months, it can affect more than the activity that originally triggered it.
The goal of treatment isn't simply to treat an elbow; it’s to help you return to the activities that matter to you.
Repeatedly extending or rotating the wrist can place stress on the tendons attached to the outside of the elbow.
Frequent gripping, carrying, or lifting can place stress on the affected tendons, contributing to irritation and pain over time.
Rapidly increasing exercise, sports participation, or physical workload can place additional strain on the tendons.
Tendons may become less resilient over time, increasing susceptibility to chronic overuse injuries.
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 persistent tennis elbow who have not responded adequately to conservative care, TAE offers a minimally invasive treatment option that targets abnormal blood vessels associated with chronic tendon irritation.
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
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition involving the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It commonly develops from repetitive gripping, lifting, wrist movement, or other activities that repeatedly stress the forearm.
No. Tennis elbow can affect people who don't play tennis. Repetitive work, lifting, racquet sports, exercise, and everyday activities involving the wrist and forearm can all contribute.
TAE is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small catheter and image guidance to identify and selectively treat abnormal blood vessels associated with chronic tendon irritation.
TAE may be considered for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic tennis elbow who continue to experience meaningful symptoms despite appropriate conservative treatment. Your physician will evaluate your symptoms, imaging, treatment history, and overall health before recommending TAE. See if you're a candidate here.
There isn't a single timeframe that applies to everyone. TAE is generally considered for persistent symptoms that have not improved adequately with conservative treatment.
No. TAE is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure. It does not require an incision through the elbow or surgical repair of the tendon.
Every patient responds differently. Improvement may develop gradually rather than immediately, and your physician will discuss what to expect based on your condition and treatment plan.
Because embolization for chronic tendon conditions is a relatively newer treatment approach, long-term outcomes continue to be studied. Your physician can discuss the current evidence and what may be realistic in your individual case.
TAE offers a nonsurgical treatment option for appropriately selected patients whose symptoms have persisted despite conservative care. Whether it can eliminate the need for surgery varies by patient.
Yes. Transarterial Elbow Embolization can be used to treat selected chronic tendon conditions affecting the elbow, including tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
Insurance coverage varies. Georgia Endovascular can help determine your benefits and discuss expected costs before treatment.
Scheduling
Please contact our dedicated specialists to schedule a consultation today.
