Uterine Fibroid Embolization – UFE

This is a new minimally invasive therapy for women with symptomatic uterine fibroid tumors (myomas) that is suitable for many patients. Using a standard angiographic technique via the femoral (groin) artery, the uterine arteries, which supply blood to the tumors, are selectively catheterized and the tumor vessels are permanently occluded using particulate material.

General anesthesia is not necessary, hospital admission is only 24 hours, and full recovery to normal activity is expected within 1 week of treatment. The procedure has been shown to be highly effective and is currently the procedure of choice for women who have multiple tumors and desire to preserve the uterus.

Example:

This 40 year old patient had large fibroids that were treated by UFE.

The first image (MRI) shows an enlarged uterus with a very large dominant fibroid.

The second image shows an enlarged uterine artery which was successfully embolized as was the artery on the other side.

The follow up CT (image 3) shows that the fibroids are no longer receiving blood supply. The patients bleeding and bulk symptoms were cured and she resumed normal menstruation.