Uterine Artery Embolization

Curing Fibroids From the Inside Out

The Uterine Artery Embolization team at the Brotman Medical Center is a medical group of fibroid experts dedicated to curing fibroids with minimally invasive therapy. We performed the very first Uterine Fibroid Embolization in America, and every year we add to the number of patients who get fibroid relief without major surgery. Below is a general outline for our treatment protocol.

Continuity of Care
Your entire treatment is handled, start to finish, by the same physician and medical team. We have found this unique one team, one patient approach offers more consistent, more comprehensive care for fibroid patients.

Evaluation
Before Fibroid Embolization, all patients are thoroughly evaluated to ensure the procedure is right for them. This includes a review of their medical history, general physical condition and any other information pertinent to the case

Examination
The patient undergoes complete pelvic imaging, either ultrasound or MRI, to measure the size of the uterus and look for any other conditions that might be affecting their health. If everything checks out, endoscopic procedures will be used to evaluate the inside and outside of the pelvis in preparation for fibroid embolization.

Embolization
Embolization is an out-patient procedure, usually performed under local anesthetic. A tiny incision (roughly 1 centimeter) in your upper thigh allows a tiny catheter to be inserted into femoral artery. Using x-ray guidance, a trained physician locates the feeder vessels which supply blood to each to fibroid. Microscopic, inert particles are injected to block these vessels. The particles can only move in the direction of the blood flow and will not travel to the other parts of the body. Without a steady blood supply, the fibroids begin to starve and shrink.

Monitoring
Recovery time is generally 2-3 days (as opposed to a 6 week recovery after major surgery such as myomectomy or hysterectomy). After embolization, patients are evaluated within the first week, again at six weeks and once more at six months to track the rate of fibroid shrinkage.

We will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding this unique treatment protocol. Please contact us at (866) 362-6463.