Radioembolization (Y-90)

What Is Y-90 Radioembolization?

Radioembolization is a minimally invasive procedure that combines radiation therapy with blocking blood flow (embolization) to treat liver cancer. Tiny glass or resin beads filled with radioactive material (isotope Yttrium-90) are placed inside the blood vessels that feed a tumor. This blocks blood flow from feeding the cancer cells and delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor.

Before The Procedure

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. For the best experience please properly prepare for your appointment:

• Do not eat 8 hours before and do not drink 4 hours before your procedure.
• Take medications with a sip of water. Certain medications cannot be taken prior to this procedure; your doctor will provide instructions if you need to adjust your medication. If you take insulin, your doctor should adjust your morning insulin dose the day of your test.
• If you have an allergy to X-ray dye, please notify your physician as soon as possible. You may need to take special medications a day prior to the procedure.
• You will need to arrange transportation, as you will not be able to drive home after the procedure.

During The Procedure

A team of nurses, imaging technologists and a doctor will explain and perform the procedure.

• Nurse places an IV for sedation medication, provided for your comfort.
• Imaging Technologist positions you on an exam table for X-ray.
• Your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level are monitored. You may receive oxygen during this procedure. Sedation medication is given to help with pain and relaxation.
• Imaging Technologist cleans the skin in an area of your groin or on your wrist.
• Doctor numbs the skin site and inserts a flexible tube called a catheter into a vessel.
• X-rays are taken as the doctor guides the catheter to the correct position.
• Once the doctor reaches the tumor, they inject the radioactive material.
• Doctor removes catheter and a tech holds pressure on the incision site to stop bleeding. A compression device may need to be placed to ensure bleeding stops.

After The Procedure

• You are on bed rest and monitored for signs of complications by a nurse for 4-6 hours.
• You will be allowed to eat and encouraged to drink fluids to flush the contrast dye from your system.
• Your nursing team reviews restrictions for the day; you should not go home alone or plan on lifting or strenuous activity for 24hours.
• During the week following your procedure, you will need to limit contact with others while the radiation in your body diminishes. You should not do the following for at least 7 days after the procedure:
  • Sleep in the same bed with another person.
  • Come in close contact with children or pregnant women.
• Your nurse provides home instructions to care for your procedure site and post procedure symptoms.
• Follow-up care is a key part of your health. Be sure to make and go to all appointments and call your primary care provider if you have questions.