Who is suitable for TAME

Who it may help

A specialist assessment may be appropriate when pain has continued for several months, keeps returning or significantly affects daily movement and quality of life.

Suitability depends on the location and cause of the pain, imaging findings, treatments already tried and your overall health. The assessment also considers whether inflammation, rather than joint instability or another condition, is the main cause of your symptoms.

Not everyone with chronic pain will benefit from embolisation, so a thorough clinical and imaging review is needed before treatment is recommended.

Conditions that may be considered for TAME

TAME may be considered for a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder
• rotator cuff tendinopathy
• persistent pain after shoulder surgery
• greater trochanteric pain syndrome
• lateral or medial epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis or golfer’s elbow
• hand osteoarthritis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• plantar fasciitis

It may be particularly relevant when pain has continued despite rest, medication, changes to activity, physiotherapy or image-guided injections.

TAME is also emerging as a possible option for chronic prostatitis that has not responded to treatment, in carefully selected cases.

What is transarterial microembolisation?

TAME is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure. An interventional radiologist guides a small catheter through the arteries supplying the painful or inflamed area.

Tiny particles are then delivered to selected blood vessels to reduce the abnormal blood flow associated with ongoing inflammation. The aim is to reduce pain and improve movement without open surgery.

TAME may help fill the gap for people who have tried the standard non-surgical options but are not ready for, or may not need, an operation. It is not suitable for every type of pain, and results vary depending on the underlying condition.

Your assessment and treatment plan

Each treatment plan is based on your symptoms, medical history, previous care and relevant imaging.

Your consultant will explain whether TAME may suit you, what the procedure involves, and what other treatment options may need to be considered, so you can make an informed decision about your care.