Transarterial Periarticular Embolization (TAPE) for Chronic Joint Pain Treatment at Interventional Radiology Clinic at University Hospital Frankfurt

The Interventional Radiology Clinic at the University Hospital Frankfurt offers Transarterial Periarticular Embolization (TAPE) as an innovative, minimally invasive therapy for patients suffering from chronic, therapy-resistant joint pain. This advanced procedure specifically targets the pathological neoangiogenesis, the formation of abnormal, tiny blood vessels associated with chronic inflammation in conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, or tennis elbow. By utilizing high-resolution imaging and microcatheter technology, the specialized team provides a targeted solution for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physiotherapy or medication and wish to delay or avoid major joint replacement surgery. Chronic joint pain is often driven by a process in which the body attempts to heal persistent inflammation by forming new, microscopic blood vessels in the synovial membrane and surrounding soft tissues. These pathological vessels are accompanied by the growth of new, highly sensitive nerve fibers, a phenomenon known as neurovascular ingrowth. These nerves transmit persistent pain signals even when the joint is at rest. The TAPE procedure at University Hospital Frankfurt is designed to selectively occlude these abnormal vessels, thereby reducing the inflammatory environment and silencing the associated pain-conducting nerves without affecting the blood supply to the healthy bone or cartilage. The intervention is performed as a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure under local anesthesia in the clinic’s state-of-the-art angiography suite. A specialist interventional radiologist inserts a thin sheath, usually through the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the wrist. Under continuous X-ray guidance, a microcatheter is navigated into the specific arterial branches supplying the affected joint. Once the areas of abnormal hypervascularization (often visible as a blush on the angiogram) are identified, embolic agents, typically microscopic particles or a temporary suspension, are injected. These particles physically block the pathological microvessels, leading to a significant reduction in local inflammation and, in turn, a decrease in pain intensity. The medical program at University Hospital Frankfurt begins with a thorough pre-interventional diagnostic phase. This includes a clinical examination and a review of the patient’s imaging history, such as MRI or X-ray, to confirm that the pain is indeed related to inflammatory hypervascularization. Patients must provide current laboratory results, with particular attention to kidney function and coagulation status, to ensure safety during contrast media administration and arterial puncture. The package includes the procedure itself, all specialized materials such as microcatheters and embolic agents, and a period of post-interventional monitoring in the clinic to ensure the puncture site heals correctly and the patient is comfortable. The primary goal of Transarterial Periarticular Embolization is to achieve long-term pain reduction and restore joint function and mobility. Many patients report a significant decrease in pain within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, as the inflammatory process subsides. Because the procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve large incisions or general anesthesia, the recovery time is substantially shorter than that of traditional orthopedic surgery. At the Interventional Radiology Clinic in Frankfurt, the use of AI-supported imaging systems ensures highly selective embolization, minimizing the risk of side effects while maximizing therapeutic impact on the patient's quality of life. Following the procedure, a detailed discharge report is provided, outlining the technical success of the embolization and providing recommendations for follow-up care and physical activity.