Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a proven, uterus-sparing procedure that treats fibroids. Fibroids are benign, non-cancerous growths or masses of muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus. Many fibroids cause no symptoms but they may cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, constipation, or frequent urination (due to pressure on the bowel or bladder).
We use methods similar to those used in heart catheterization where a thin tube is inserted into an artery at the top of the thigh and then guided to the uterine arteries. Small particles are injected into these blood vessels in order to block the blood supply to the fibroids. Blocking this blood flow causes the fibroids to shrink and die. Women who have elected to have UFE here at Iowa Radiology consistently report successful outcomes and improved quality of life.
A catheter is inserted through a nick in the skin into an artery and advanced to the uterus.
Tiny particles pass through the catheter and wedge in the small blood vessels, blocking the blood flow to the fibroid.
