Chronic Pain: Japanese Minimally Invasive Therapy
- AVELLINO, Italy (AP) — A team at San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital in Avellino is utilizing a cutting-edge technique to alleviate chronic pain caused by anomalous blood vessels, known...
- Last week, three patients underwent the Transcather Arterial Micro-Embolization (TAME) procedure.The patients included a 42-year-old woman from Benevento, treated for plantar fasciitis pain, adn two men, ages 40...
- Giulio Lombardi, manager of the Body Interventional Radiology Operating Unit, described the procedure as minimally invasive.
Innovative Procedure Eases Chronic Pain in Avellino
Table of Contents
- Innovative Procedure Eases Chronic Pain in Avellino
- innovative Procedure Eases Chronic Pain in Avellino: Your Questions Answered
- What is teh TAME Procedure?
- How Does the TAME Procedure Work?
- What Conditions Can the TAME Procedure Treat?
- What is Moyamoya?
- Who Developed the TAME Technique?
- Where is the TAME Procedure Performed?
- How Long Does the TAME Procedure Typically take?
- What Type of Anesthesia is Used for the TAME Procedure?
- Is Hospitalization Required After the TAME Procedure?
- Who are the Key Medical Professionals Involved in the TAME Procedure?
- What are the Advantages of the TAME Procedure over Traditional Treatments?
- How Does TAME Compare to Other Treatments for Chronic Pain?
AVELLINO, Italy (AP) — A team at San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital in Avellino is utilizing a cutting-edge technique to alleviate chronic pain caused by anomalous blood vessels, known as moyamoya. The term, which translates from Japanese, refers to inflammatory blood vessels that can cause persistent discomfort.
TAME Procedure Offers New Hope
Last week, three patients underwent the Transcather Arterial Micro-Embolization (TAME) procedure.The patients included a 42-year-old woman from Benevento, treated for plantar fasciitis pain, adn two men, ages 40 and 70, from Avellino, who were treated for knee arthrosis.
Minimally Invasive Approach
Giulio Lombardi, manager of the Body Interventional Radiology Operating Unit, described the procedure as minimally invasive. “A thin catheter, about 0.6 mm in diameter, is inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin,” Lombardi said. “Particles are then administered directly into the abnormal blood vessels, blocking them and suppressing inflammation. these particles are resorbed in approximately two hours.”
International Collaboration and Training
The TAME technique was developed in Japan by Dr. Yuji Okuno. Piercarmine Porcaro, an interventionist radiologist at Moscati, trained in Tokyo to master the method.Porcaro then shared his knowledge with the Moscati team.Professionals involved in the procedures include Enrico Maria Amodeo, Ernesto Punzi, and Emanuele Flora.
How TAME Works
Lombardi explained that the procedure typically takes about an hour and is performed under local anesthesia, without requiring hospitalization.”Using tools like angiographers and ultrasounds, we precisely identify the Moyamoya blood vessels causing the pain and provide direct treatment,” he said. He emphasized the potential of TAME to significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic pain who have not responded to conventional therapies. ”While painkillers and blocking injections often provide only temporary relief, TAME addresses the underlying cause by targeting the anomalous blood vessels and halting the progression of inflammation,” Lombardi added.
Applications of the TAME Method
Interventional radiology at Moscati is using the TAME method to treat chronic pain stemming from various conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder)
- Plantar fasciitis
innovative Procedure Eases Chronic Pain in Avellino: Your Questions Answered
What is teh TAME Procedure?
The Transcather Arterial Micro-Embolization (TAME) procedure is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique being used at San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital in Avellino, Italy, to alleviate chronic pain. It targets anomalous blood vessels, specifically those causing pain due to conditions like moyamoya.
How Does the TAME Procedure Work?
The TAME procedure involves inserting a thin catheter (approximately 0.6 mm in diameter) into an artery, typically in the wrist or groin. Particles are then administered directly into the abnormal blood vessels.These particles block the vessels, suppressing inflammation. Importantly, these particles are resorbed by the body, usually within about two hours.
What Conditions Can the TAME Procedure Treat?
Interventional radiology at Moscati is using the TAME method to treat chronic pain stemming from various conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder)
- Plantar fasciitis
What is Moyamoya?
Moyamoya is a medical term originating from Japanese, meaning “puff of smoke.” It refers to abnormal, inflammatory blood vessels that can cause chronic discomfort. The TAME procedure is designed to specifically address the pain associated with these vessels.
Who Developed the TAME Technique?
The TAME technique was developed in Japan by Dr. Yuji Okuno.
Where is the TAME Procedure Performed?
The TAME procedure is currently being performed at San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital in Avellino, Italy.
How Long Does the TAME Procedure Typically take?
The procedure typically takes approximately one hour to complete.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used for the TAME Procedure?
The TAME procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Is Hospitalization Required After the TAME Procedure?
no, the TAME procedure does not require hospitalization.
Who are the Key Medical Professionals Involved in the TAME Procedure?
The professionals involved include Giulio Lombardi, manager of the Body Interventional Radiology Operating Unit, who described the procedure, as well as piercarmine Porcaro, Enrico Maria Amodeo, ernesto Punzi, and Emanuele Flora.
What are the Advantages of the TAME Procedure over Traditional Treatments?
The TAME procedure addresses the underlying cause of pain by targeting the anomalous blood vessels, which often provides a more lasting relief than traditional treatments like painkillers and blocking injections, which often provide only temporary relief.
How Does TAME Compare to Other Treatments for Chronic Pain?
Here’s a comparison:
| Treatment | Mechanism | Potential Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painkillers & Injections | Temporary pain relief by addressing symptoms | Fast, short-term relief | Does not address the underlying cause; temporary relief; potential side effects. |
| TAME Procedure | Targets and blocks abnormal blood vessels,reducing inflammation | Addresses the underlying cause; potentially longer-lasting pain reduction; minimally invasive. | Requires specialized equipment and expertise; may not be suitable for all patients or conditions. |