A Uterine fibroid is a type of benign tumor that occurs in the muscle cells of the uterus. These growths can alter a woman’s period in many ways. Unlike most tumors, these growths don’t spread throughout the body and are typically not dangerous. Some of the most common symptoms include, but are not limited to, uterine pain, severe cramps, an urge to urinate quickly, and a bloated feeling. Under X-Ray guidance and sedation, our interventional radiologist will guide a very thin catheter through the blood vessel to the specific artery supplying blood to the fibroid. The doctor then releases small particles into the targeted location to block the small vessels, depriving the fibroid of nutrients and causing it to shrink over time. This is all done through an access site in the groin or the wrist that is only millimeters in diameter.
Conditions Treated and Procedures Performed
- Conditions Treated: Symptomatic uterine fibroids, uterine leiomyoma, adenomyosis, postpartum hemorrhage
- Reason for Procedure: UAE is an outpatient procedure commonly performed to decrease symptoms secondary to uterine fibroids or adenomyosis, reducing the need for more invasive surgery. UAE is also performed in the inpatient setting as a treatment for life-threatening post-partum bleeding. UAE is a minimally invasive uterus-sparing treatment option for patients who want to preserve future fertility.
- How It’s Performed: An Interventional Radiologist will access an artery in your wrist or leg. Using X-ray guidance, a small catheter will be inserted into the uterine artery. Particles and other agents will be injected to reduce blood flow to the uterus, causing the fibroids and uterus to shrink over time.
- Anesthesia: Conscious Sedation
- Recovery Time: 2-4 hours
- For more information and to schedule a consultation with one of our IR physicians, please call 631-403-7088
