What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
UFE is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure that treats uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors that grow within a woman’s uterus) by delivering miniscule particles to the uterus through a catheter. These particles block the arteries from supplying a nourishing supply of blood that fibroids feed upon. When the blood supply is cut off, the fibroids wilt, wither and shrink.
The procedure is safe and painless, with a swift recovery time and a patient satisfaction rate of over 90%. UFE is currently the leading alternative to hysterectomy.
Is there more than one approach for Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
There are currently two equally effective, minimally invasive treatment approaches for UFE:
TRANSRADIAL and TRANSFEMORAL.
Transradial UFE:
In this UFE procedure, local anesthesia is administered to a patient’s wrist to numb it. A catheter is inserted into their radial artery (located in the wrist) through a small incision. The catheter is guided by an interventional radiologist into the uterus, where it releases minute particles that halt the flow of blood to the fibroid. Without a steady supply of blood to feed upon, the fibroid shrinks and dies.
Transfemoral UFE:
The transfemoral UFE treatment approach involves making a small incision in the groin area (where the femoral artery is located). An interventional radiologist inserts a catheter through this incision towards the uterine arteries that supply the fibroid with its source of blood. The catheter releases minute particles into the blood vessels leading to the fibroids, which blocks the flow of blood to the fibroids. This causes the fibroid to shrink and shrivel, thereby easing all the symptoms that a patient previously endured. This process may be repeated if a patient suffers from multiple fibroids.
After the procedure is complete, the incision is cleaned and bandaged. Recovery is safe and swift; usually within one to two weeks for either type of UFE procedure.
How do I know which UFE approach is right for me?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a very effective non-surgical procedure with a high rate of success. It preserves a woman’s uterus, enabling her to obtain relief from fibroid symptoms and regain control of her life.
To find out which UFE treatment option suits you, contact Dr. Neel Patel at The Atlanta Fibroid Clinic.
Dr. Patel is a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist specializing in the nonsurgical treatment of uterine fibroids through UFE. He has extensive experience performing this non-invasive procedure and prides himself on educating women about uterine fibroids to ease their symptoms.
Contact Dr. Patel at The Atlanta Fibroid Clinic to find out how you can be symptom-free through UFE.
