If you have an adrenal tumor or hormone-related condition causing high blood pressure or other complications, adrenal embolization may be the solution for you. Performed by Dr. Gabriel Lipshutz and Dr. Jonathan Steinberger at DOCS Interventional Medicine, this minimally invasive procedure safely blocks blood flow to problematic adrenal glands, helping to restore balance and improve your health—without major surgery.
Shrink tumors and regulate hormone levels
Adrenal embolization reduces blood flow to an overactive or problematic adrenal gland, effectively treating conditions like adrenal tumors, pheochromocytomas, and hormone-related hypertension. Using advanced imaging, Dr. Steinberger and Dr. Lipshutz guide a tiny catheter to the adrenal artery and inject specialized particles to block excessive blood supply. This helps shrink tumors, regulate hormone levels, and relieve symptoms—without open surgery.
What does adrenal embolization treat?
Adrenal embolization is used to treat conditions where the adrenal glands produce excessive hormones or develop abnormal growths. This includes adrenal tumors, pheochromocytomas, and hormone-driven hypertension, which can cause serious health complications if left untreated. By reducing blood flow to the affected gland, this procedure helps restore balance, shrink tumors, and alleviate symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of the following, adrenal embolization may be an effective solution:
- Persistent high blood pressure that’s difficult to control
- Severe headaches, sweating, or rapid heart rate
- Anxiety or panic attacks caused by hormone surges
- Unexplained weight gain or loss due to hormonal imbalance
- Excessive production of stress hormones affecting daily life
How does adrenal embolization work?
Adrenal embolization works by safely reducing blood flow to an overactive or problematic adrenal gland. Using real-time imaging, Dr. Lipshutz and Dr. Steinberger insert a thin catheter into a blood vessel, usually through the groin. They carefully guide it to the adrenal artery and inject tiny particles that block blood flow to the affected area. This slows hormone production, shrinks tumors, and alleviates symptoms without removing the gland.
Advantages of adrenal embolization:
- Minimally invasive procedure with no large incisions
- Lower risk compared to traditional adrenal surgery
- Shorter recovery time, allowing a faster return to daily activities
- Effectively shrinks tumors and reduces excessive hormone production
- Helps control high blood pressure and other hormone-related symptoms
- Performed using real-time imaging for maximum precision and safety
- Less pain and discomfort compared to open surgery
- Outpatient or short hospital stay for most patients
What is recovery like after adrenal embolization?
After adrenal embolization, you can expect a much shorter recovery than traditional surgery. Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay. You may experience mild discomfort, fatigue, or low-grade fever for a few days, but these symptoms typically improve quickly. You’ll gradually return to normal activities within a week, with follow-up care scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the best possible outcome.
Schedule your consultation
DOCS Interventional Medicine is built on a foundation of excellence, providing cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments with expert precision. With 10+ years of experience at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Steinberger and Dr. Lipshutz specialize in advanced procedures like adrenal embolization, which can treat hormone-related conditions with faster recovery and lower risk than surgery. Our team is dedicated to improving your health and quality of life. Schedule your consultation today—we’re here to help you feel your best.
