Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)
Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure performed to treat bleeding internal hemorrhoids by reducing the blood flow that feeds them, with no cutting or banding. Hemorrhoids are common, uncomfortable, and way more disruptive than people admit out loud. They can cause bright red rectal bleeding, itching, burning, and a “something is there” pressure feeling that makes sitting through work or a long car ride feel like a personal challenge. The good news is that you have more options than just “live with it” or “surgery or nothing.”
At VidaVascular, a vascular and interventional care practice, Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) is offered as a minimally invasive treatment option for certain patients, especially when bleeding is a major symptom, with care that is practical, patient-centered, and grounded in real medical evidence.
Not sure your symptoms are hemorrhoids? Read our guide to hemorrhoids, including types, symptoms, and other causes of rectal bleeding.
What are hemorrhoids, and why do they bleed?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the anus. Think of them like varicose veins, but in a more sensitive spot. When these veins swell, they can get irritated and bleed.
There are two main types:
- Internal hemorrhoids: inside the rectum. These often bleed and may not hurt much because there are fewer pain nerves inside.
- External hemorrhoids: under the skin around the anus. These can itch, burn, and hurt, especially if a clot forms (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid).
Common symptoms include:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
- Itching or irritation
- Pain or burning
- A lump or swelling near the anus
- Prolapse, which means hemorrhoid tissue bulges outward during bowel movements
Important: rectal bleeding is not always hemorrhoids. It can also come from other issues that need medical attention. Getting the right diagnosis is a big deal.
What is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE), in plain English?
HAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to the arteries feeding internal hemorrhoids. In medical terms, it is a type of embolization, which means blocking selected small blood vessels from the inside.
Simple explanation:
- Hemorrhoids often bleed because too much blood is flowing into the hemorrhoidal tissue.
- HAE targets the arteries that supply that tissue and reduces the blood flow.
- Less blood flow can mean less bleeding and less irritation over time. (1,2,3,4)
You may also hear HAE called:
- Rectal artery embolization
- Superior rectal artery embolization
- The Emborrhoid technique (a commonly used name in medical studies) (4,6)
Who may be a good candidate for HAE?
HAE is most often discussed for internal hemorrhoids where bleeding is a major problem, especially when symptoms continue despite conservative care. (1,2,3,4)
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Recurring hemorrhoid bleeding
- Internal hemorrhoids confirmed by an appropriate exam
- Symptoms that did not improve enough with standard approaches (diet changes, fiber, topical treatments, office-based procedures, or other recommended options)
- Medical reasons you want a minimally invasive approach (this varies by patient and should be discussed)
HAE might not be the best fit if:
- Your main issue is severe prolapse (bulging tissue that stays out) rather than bleeding
- Your symptoms are mostly from external hemorrhoids or an anal fissure
- There is concern for another cause of bleeding that needs evaluation first
- You have certain health issues that increase risk with blood vessel procedures (your care team will review this)
Research suggests HAE can improve bleeding for many patients, but some symptoms like prolapse, skin tags, or itching may improve less reliably. (1,2)
What are the benefits and risks of HAE?
No sugar-coating here: HAE is not magic, but it is a real, studied option that can be a good fit for the right patient.
Potential benefits:
- Minimally invasive approach, meaning no cutting in the anal area (4)
- Bleeding improvement reported in multiple studies and reviews (1,2,3,4,5)
- Typically aims to preserve normal anal function since it does not directly remove tissue (4)
- Lower post-procedure pain reported in a randomized trial compared with hemorrhoidectomy (1)
Potential risks and side effects:
- Temporary pelvic or rectal discomfort
- Mild fever, nausea, or fatigue in some patients (4,6)
- Bleeding recurrence, which may require repeat treatment in a smaller group (2,3)
- Rare complications are possible with any embolization procedure, so careful patient selection matters (3,4)
A large body of published data describes high technical success rates (meaning the arteries can be treated as planned) and generally low rates of serious complications, while also noting the need for more long-term and high-quality comparative trials. (3,4)
What should I expect after HAE, and how soon might symptoms improve?
Recovery and timing vary from person to person, and VidaVascular will guide you based on your specific situation. In research studies, many patients report improvement in bleeding and symptom scores within weeks to months. (2,3,5)
In general terms, patients often ask about:
- How fast bleeding improves: some improve quickly, while others improve more gradually (2,3)
- Whether symptoms can return: recurrence can happen and sometimes repeat treatment is needed (2,3)
- What follow-up looks like: follow-up helps track symptom improvement and catch problems early (3)
When to call your care team promptly
Call your care team promptly if you develop warning signs like:
- Heavy bleeding that does not slow down
- Dizziness, fainting, or weakness
- High fever or worsening pain
- New swelling in a leg, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Those symptoms can be serious after any medical procedure.
Why choose VidaVascular for Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)?
If hemorrhoid bleeding is affecting your day-to-day life, it is worth talking with a specialist who understands both the diagnosis and the full menu of treatment options. VidaVascular offers Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) as a minimally invasive option for select patients, especially when internal hemorrhoid bleeding is the main concern.
If you are looking into hemorrhoid care, rectal bleeding evaluation, or hemorrhoid embolization, an evaluation can help clarify what is causing your symptoms and whether HAE fits your goals.
Your VidaVascular Care Team
Your evaluation and treatment are guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team.
Where to Get HAE Care
Choose the office that is most convenient for you. All locations share one phone number for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About HAE
Where is HAE offered?
VidaVascular has offices in Oxon Hill, MD, Springfield, VA, and White Plains, MD. Call (866) 800-2346 to schedule at the location most convenient for you.
Does insurance cover my visit?
VidaVascular accepts most major insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan and procedure, so please call us to confirm whether your specific plan is covered. Insurance information.
Can my doctor refer me?
Yes. Clinicians can send referrals through our HIPAA-compliant clinician referral form, and patients or community members can use the patient/community referral form.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (866) 800-2346 or request an appointment online. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
References
- Falsarella, P. M., Nasser, F., Affonso, B. B., Galastri, F. L., Motta-Leal-Filho, J. M., Valle, L. G. M., Cunha, M. J. S., Araújo, S. E. A., Garcia, R. G., & Katz, M. (2023). Embolization of the superior rectal arteries versus closed hemorrhoidectomy (Ferguson technique) in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 34(5), 736–744.e1.
- Bagla, S., Pavidapha, A., Lerner, J., Kasimcan, M. O., Piechowiak, R., Josovitz, K., Marathe, A., Isaacson, A., & Sajan, A. (2023). Outcomes of hemorrhoidal artery embolization from a multidisciplinary outpatient interventional center. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2023.01.023
- Nguyenhuy, M., Xu, Y., Kok, H. K., Maingard, J., Joglekar, S., Jhamb, A., Brooks, M., & Asadi, H. (2022). Clinical outcomes following rectal artery embolisation for the treatment of internal haemorrhoids: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, 45(9), 1351–1361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-022-03154-7
- Talaie, R., Torkian, P., Moghadam, A. D., Tradi, F., Vidal, V., Sapoval, M., & Golzarian, J. (2022). Hemorrhoid embolization: A review of current evidences. Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, 103(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diii.2021.07.001
- Moussa, N., Bonnet, B., Pereira, H., Pechmajou, L., Pellerin, O., Abed, A., Del Giudice, C., Dean, C., Bouda, D., de Parades, V., Fathallah, N., & Sapoval, M. (2020). Mid-term results of superior rectal artery and coils for hemorrhoidal embolization with particles bleeding. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, 43(7), 1062–1069. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-020-02441-5
- Zakharchenko, A., Kaitoukov, Y., Vinnik, Y., Tradi, F., Sapoval, M., Sielezneff, I., Galkin, E., & Vidal, V. (2016). Safety and efficacy of superior rectal artery embolization with particles and metallic coils for the treatment of hemorrhoids (Emborrhoid technique). Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, 97(11), 1079–1084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diii.2016.08.002
- Campennì, P., Iezzi, R., Marra, A. A., Posa, A., Parello, A., Litta, F., De Simone, V., & Ratto, C. (2022). The Emborrhoid technique for treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids in patients with high surgical risk. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(19), 5533. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11195533
Ready to Learn More About HAE?
Schedule an evaluation with our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what fits your goals.