Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), is a therapy that has grown due to many women’s desire to preserve their uterus. UFE often eliminates the need for a hysterectomy in women with uterine fibroids. Doctors deliver treatment directly to the fibroid, blocking the flow of blood, causing it to shrink. With UFE, patients experience significant or total relief of abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic bulk symptoms in approximately 90% of the cases.
Fallopian Tube Recanalization
Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility in women. Fallopian tube recanalization is a procedure that attempts to evaluate an open the fallopian tubes.
Pelvic Venous Congestion
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a medical condition in women caused by varicose veins in the lower abdomen. The condition causes chronic pain, often manifesting as a constant dull ache.
Once a diagnosis is made, if the patient is symptomatic, an embolization should be done. Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists using imaging for guidance. During the outpatient procedure, the interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter, about the size of a strand of spaghetti, into the femoral vein in the groin and guides it to the affected vein using x-ray guidance. To seal the faulty, enlarged vein and relieve painful pressure, an interventional radiologist inserts tiny coils often with a sclerosing agent (the same type of material used to treat varicose veins) to close the vein. After treatment, patients can return to normal activities immediately.