What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign fibroid growths in the wall of the uterus. Our UFE is considered an effective non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy or other more invasive treatments.
Uterine Artery Embolization (commonly called Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE) is a minimally-invasive procedure used to treat benign (non-cancerous) fibroid growths that develop in the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are not cancerous tumors per se, but can cause severe symptoms in some women, including heavy menstrual bleeding, swelling of the abdomen, and pelvic pain. UFE is a procedure in which the arteries that feed these fibroids and allow them to grow are embolized, meaning that blood flow to them is blocked so that the tumors are deprived of nourishment and thus shrink. When the fibroids shrink, the symptoms improve.
There are a few different types of fibroids, learn more.
About the Procedure
Interventional radiologists perform this procedure by introducing a tiny catheter through a nick in the skin in your groin into the femoral artery, or more commonly through a nick in the skin in the radial artery in the wrist. The catheter is guided using fluoroscopy into both of the uterine arteries, and then a contrast fluid is injected to help the doctors locate the fibroid growths to be embolized. Finally a number of tiny embolizing particles are injected, which surround the fibroid and block blood flow to it.
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors found in the female genital tract
For many women they do not cause severe symptoms, but when they do, Uterine Artery Embolization is considered an effective non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy or other more radical treatments. 85 to 90% of women who undergo this procedure report significant reduction of symptoms.
85 to 90% of women who undergo this procedure report significant reduction of symptoms.
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request a consultationWhat To Expect
If your doctors decide that you are a candidate for this procedure, it will be performed by MTV IR interventional radiologists.
Medical staff will insert IVs and other monitors to measure your vital signs. After a numbing medication is injected into the area, the interventional radiologist will insert the catheter into the large artery and guide it into place in the uterine arteries using X-rays. Depending on your preference, you may either be moderately sedated or given general anesthesia. The procedure takes less than an hour.
Performed by and MTV IR interventional radiologist, and takes less than an hour
Results
Afterwards, the catheter is removed and the doctors will monitor your progress. After your release, you should avoid driving for 24 hours, limit your activities, and avoid physical exertion or heavy lifting for several days. Full recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days.
Best Care Possible
MTVIR is a team of experienced interventional radiologists who consult with other doctors to bring state-of-the-art radiology treatment to their patients.
A Few Of Our Cases
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