What Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Is
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. This safe, simple procedure was approved by the FDA and reduces the bleeding, pain and other symptoms of uterine fibroids in 90% of women who undergo the treatment.
With uterine fibroid embolization, a catheter is threaded through the femoral artery to the uterus through a tiny incision. Using x-ray guidance and contrast material, the specific arteries that feed the uterine fibroid are identified and injected with small, inert particles. The particles wedge into the uterine vessels, blocking the flow of blood to the fibroid and causing the fibroid tissue to die and shrink. All fibroids in the uterus can be treated in the same session. This is performed under minimal sedation and typically takes approximately one hour.
RIA radiologists perform this minimally-invasive procedure at several Denver area hospitals.