Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Fibroids are non-cancerous growth, usually found in the uterus of women in their childbearing age. These fibroids can be more than one and grow in size, with time.

Women may face the symptoms like Excessive bleeding and prolonged, painful periods, bloating sensation, Pelvic pain and pressure in case of uterine fibroids.
Interventional Radiology non-surgical treatment for Uterine Fibroid Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also called as Uterine Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure done under local anaesthesia, using fluoroscopy guidance. An Interventional Radiologist inserts a thin catheter inside a thigh artery and guides it to the uterine artery. Tiny round particles called PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol) are injected into the blood vessels of the uterine artery for embolization. These particles block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. The PVA particles remain permanently at the fibroid site.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroid tumors of the uterus which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel. It uses a form of real-time x-ray called fluoroscopy to guide the delivery of embolic agents to the uterus and fibroids. These agents block the arteries that provide blood to the fibroids and cause them to shrink. Studies have shown that nearly 90 percent of women who undergo UFE experience significant or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms.

Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in the uterus. In uterine artery embolization  also called uterine fibroid embolization a doctor uses a slender, flexible tube (catheter) to inject small particles (embolic agents) into the uterine arteries, which supply blood to your fibroids and uterus. The goal is to block the fibroid blood vessels, starving the fibroids and causing them to shrink and die.

Why it’s done

Uterine fibroids can cause severe symptoms in some women, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and swelling of the abdomen. Uterine artery embolization destroys fibroid tissue and eases these symptoms. And it provides an alternative to surgery to remove fibroids (myomectomy).