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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffUterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in the uterus. In uterine artery embolization — also called uterine fibroid embolization — a doctor uses a slender, flexible tube (catheter) to inject small particles (embolic agents) into the uterine arteries, which supply blood to your fibroids and uterus.
Uterine fibroids stimulate formation of new blood vessels to the fibroid. During uterine artery embolization, the embolic agents are injected into these fibroid blood vessels. The goal is to block the fibroid vessels, starving the fibroids and causing them to shrink and die.
References
- Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ074. Uterine fibroids. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq074.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130423T1546469165. Accessed April 23, 2013.
- Bouwsma EVA, et al. Comparing focused ultrasound and uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids — Rational and design of the fibroid interventions: Reducing symptoms today and tomorrow (FIRSTT) trial. Fertility and Sterility. 2011;96:704.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins — Gynecology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 96. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=13318. Accessed April 23, 2013.
- Laughlin SK, et al. Uterine leiomyomas: Individualizing the approach to a heterogeneous condition. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;117:396.
- Van der Kooij, et al. Review of nonsurgical/minimally invasive treatments for uterine fibroids. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012;24:1.
- Coddington CC, et al. Fertility and uterine artery embolization. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2010;116:439.
- Martin J, et al. Complications and reinterventions in uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids: A literature review and meta analysis. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology. 2013;36:395.
- Scheurig-Muenkler C, et al. Clinical long-term outcome after uterine embolization: Sustained symptom control and improvement of quality of live. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. In press. April 4, 2013.
- Kaump GR, et al. The impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian function. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2013;24:459.
- Choi, et al. Is uterine artery embolization for patients with large myomas safe and effective? A retrospective comparison study in 323 patients. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. In press. Accessed April 4, 2013.
- Kim D, et al. Uterine leiomyoma (fibroid) embolization. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 6, 2013.
- Kim D, et al. Interventional radiology in management of gynecological disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 6, 2013.
- Parker WH. Techniques to reduce blood loss during abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 23, 2013.
- Uterine fibroid symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Society of Interventional Radiology. http://www.sirweb.org/patients/uterine-fibroids/. Accessed April 7, 2013.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 8, 2013.
- Stewart EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 17, 2013.
- Vander Kooij SM, et al. Uterine artery embolization versus surgery in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids: A systematic review and metaanalysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;206:e1.
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