[Transarterial periarticular embolization (TAPE)-From pain to silence: TAPE as a new local option for osteoarthritis and in the future for inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases].

Abstract

Transarterial periarticular embolization (TAPE) is a novel interventional procedure for local pain therapy in osteoarthritis. The reduction of local hypervascularization is achieved by supraselective embolization of periarticular arteries using embolic agents. The procedure described herein results in a reduction in both pain and the use of analgesics. The drug was originally developed for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and initial small studies and case reports indicated that it was effective for other joints, including the fingers and shoulders. In the domain of rheumatology TAPE opens up new therapeutic perspectives, particularly for cases of treatment-resistant monoarthritis and arthritis associated with checkpoint inhibitors.