Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolisation

Haemorrhoidal Artery Embolisation (HAE) is an interventional radiology treatment for internal haemorrhoids that offers long-lasting relief from rectal bleeding.

Haemorrhoids form when abnormal connections are made between arteries and veins in the rectum. Embolisation works by blocking these abnormal blood vessel connections, eliminating bleeding.

The US FDA & NHS (UK) has approved the procedure. The procedure is done by a doctor called an interventional radiologist who specialises in treating conditions without using major surgery.

The Procedure

• During Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolisation (HAE), the doctor will administer a local anaesthetic and mild sedation, but you remain awake.
• The Interventional Radiologist positions a catheter through a small needle puncture in the leg and into the blood vessels that supply the rectum using X-ray guidance.
• Once positioned, tiny platinum coils are used to block the blood flow to the haemorrhoids and stop the bleeding.
• The procedure lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.