How does the UFE procedure work?

How do you perform UFE?

The approach for UFE is like a heart catheterization. Patients are asleep during the procedure which takes about an hour to perform. They receive conscious (intravenous) sedation like you would get during a colonoscopy. Local anesthetic is placed in the right groin/top of the thigh area. A catheter is positioned under x-ray guidance into the blood supply of the uterus. This blood supply can be thought of as a tree with leaves. The trunk is the main uterine artery and the leaves are the branches that supply the fibroids. Tiny particles are injected which are specifically sized for the fibroid vessels. These vessels become blocked, resulting in pruning of the tree. The trunk stays open and supplies the normal uterine tissue, but the fibroids will start to wither away, soften, and eventually shrink in size.

How do I know if I am a candidate for UFE?

What are the benefits of UFE over other fibroid therapies?

I had a pelvic ultrasound in my gynecologist's office. Is this satisfactory imaging, or do I still need a MRI?

Does the size and number of fibroids matter?

I have had a myomectomy, can I still be considered for UFE?

I have had an Endometrial Ablation, can I still be considered for UFE?

How long will I spend in the hospital?

What is the recovery period at home and how long will I be out of work?

What are the risks of UFE?