MIOT Pioneers Transarterial Microembolisation: A Pinhole Procedure for Frozen Shoulder

A Breakthrough Minimally Invasive Treatment Restores Shoulder Function in Just Days

A 45-year-old woman came to MIOT International with severe left shoulder pain for 6 months, even at rest. Despite undergoing medical management, her shoulder movement remained severely restricted, making everyday activities like combing her hair, reaching overhead, or lying on her left side extremely difficult. Her sleep was disturbed every night, and her quality of life had significantly declined.

She was diagnosed with resistant adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes tight, thick, and inflamed, causing:

• Persistent pain
• Stiffness
• Difficulty with daily activities
• Reduced shoulder movement
• Disturbed sleep

The condition progresses gradually over months to years and can severely impact the quality of life. Frozen shoulder affects 2–5% of the general adult population and is more common in high-risk groups, particularly people with diabetes, where it can affect up to 11%.

The patient’s frozen shoulder was initially treated with medications and non-surgical therapies. When this approach did not provide relief, she was advised to undergo arthroscopic surgery. However, she preferred a non-surgical option. Considering her choice, the MIOT Interventional Radiology team offered an advanced, minimally invasive alternative, Transarterial Microembolisation (TAME).

What is TAME?

TAME is an image-guided, pinhole procedure for treating frozen shoulder.

• A pin-hole incision is made in the wrist.
• Through the wrist, a thin catheter is inserted and navigated to the shoulder joint.
• A fine tube called a catheter is inserted and navigated to the shoulder joint.
• Abnormal new blood vessels responsible for inflammation and pain are precisely identified.
• Tiny particles are then injected to block the blood supply to these abnormal vessels.
• This reduces inflammation and relieves pain, while preserving normal blood flow to the shoulder.

Patient’s Remarkable Recovery

• Pain relief within 24 hours
• Slept comfortably the same night
• After 3 weeks of graded physiotherapy at home: Regained 80% shoulder movement
• Major reduction in pain
• Able to perform routine tasks again
• Patient is extremely satisfied with the results

Why TAME is a Game-Changer?

TAME is an innovative option for patients who:

• Want to avoid surgery
• Have persistent pain despite physiotherapy
• Have a fear of surgery
• Are unsuitable for surgery due to medical conditions

Benefits of TAME:

• Pinhole procedure
• Targeted treatment
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quick recovery
• Early return to daily activities
• Better physiotherapy outcomes

Elevating Patient Care with Cutting-Edge Shoulder Treatment

This case highlights MIOT’ commitment to providing patients with:

• Advanced image-guided therapies
• World-class, minimally invasive treatment options
• Faster and safer alternatives to conventional surgery