Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization: Before Your Procedure

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a procedure that's done to stop bleeding from the MMA into the brain. To do this, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel, usually in your wrist. Guided by X-rays, the tip of the catheter is threaded through blood vessels until it reaches the site of the bleeding. Your doctor uses the catheter to place liquid, metal coils, or special particles at the site to form a clot. This stops the bleeding.

The procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. You may spend the night in the hospital for observation.

• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your procedure. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Remove all jewelry, piercings, and contact lenses.

• Bring a picture ID.
• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.