First thyroid arterial embolization in Romania

The Bucharest University Emergency Hospital has recently performed the country’s first thyroid arterial embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that offers a modern alternative to traditional surgical interventions for thyroid disorders.

The intervention was carried out by the Interventional Radiology team, under the coordination of Dr. Dorobăț Bogdan, with Dr. Dimitriade Adela as the lead operator. The success of this procedure was made possible through close collaboration with specialists from the Clinical Endocrinology Department, led by Prof. Dr. Păun Diana Loreta.

What is thyroid arterial embolization?

Thyroid arterial embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain thyroid conditions by selectively blocking the blood vessels supplying the thyroid gland. This technique reduces blood flow to the thyroid, leading to its shrinkage and symptom relief without affecting thyroid function.

How is the procedure performed?

A thin catheter is inserted through the femoral artery (in the groin area) under imaging guidance. The catheter is advanced to the arteries supplying the thyroid, where special microparticles are injected to block the selected blood vessels.

As a result, thyroid blood supply decreases, leading to a reduction in its size and hyperactivity.

Who can benefit from this technique?

This therapeutic method is suitable for patients with:

• Symptomatic hypervascularized goiter, where surgery is not indicated.
• Severe hyperthyroidism, including Graves-Basedow disease.
• Contraindications for surgery due to associated risks.
• Postoperative thyroid hemorrhages or those occurring after other procedures.
• Large solitary thyroid nodules that have previously been punctured.

Benefits of thyroid embolization:

✔ Minimally invasive procedure, with no scars and no need for general anesthesia.
✔ Fast recovery, allowing the resumption of daily activities in a short time.
✔ High safety profile, with lower risks compared to traditional surgery.
✔ Symptom relief without affecting thyroid function.

This medical breakthrough strengthens the position of the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital as a reference center for implementing innovative technologies in the treatment of endocrine disorders.