About Uterine Fibroid Embolizations

What is embolization?

Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure where the doctor uses small particles to block the blood flow. This procedure has been performed for decades to treat tumors or vascular malformations or bleeding.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization and how does it work?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure using the catheter and small particles to block the blood flow to the fibroids. An interventional radiologist makes a tiny incision in the groin and passes a small tube called a catheter through the artery. This incision is 1-2 mm and normally performed from the right groin. Some centers use access from both groins. The uterine arteries are identified using an arteriogram with contrast media injection. When the catheter reaches the uterine artery, the interventional radiologist slowly releases tiny plastic particles the size of grains of sand into the vessels. The particles flow to the fibroids first and wedge into the vessels and cannot travel to other parts of the body. This blocks the blood flow to the tumor, causing it to shrink. Both uterine arteries have to be embolized.

A catheter is inserted through a small opening in the skin into an artery and advanced to the uterus.