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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffUterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. In uterine artery embolization — also referred to as uterine fibroid embolization — a doctor uses a slender, flexible tube (catheter) to inject small particles into the uterine arteries, which supply blood to your fibroids and uterus. The goal is to block tiny vessels that lead to your fibroids, starve the fibroids and cause them to die.
Interventional radiologists usually perform uterine artery embolization. This type of doctor uses imaging techniques to guide procedures that would be impossible with conventional surgery. Some specialists in obstetrics and gynecology also have training in uterine artery embolization.
- The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008;112:387.
- Haney AF. Leiomyomata. In: Gibb RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:916.
- Kim D, et al. Uterine fibroid embolization. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 6, 2009.
- Kim MD, et al. Long-term results of symptomatic fibroids treated with uterine artery embolization: In conjunction with MR evaluation. European Journal of Radiology. In press. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
- Marshburn PB, et al. Uterine artery embolization as a treatment option for uterine myomas. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2006;33:125.
- Walker WJ, et al. Long-term follow up of uterine artery embolization — an effective alternative in the treatment of fibroids. BJOG. 2006;113:464.
- Lohle PNM, et al. Long-term outcome of uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2008;19:319.
- The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Myomas and reproductive function. Fertility and Sterility. 2008;90(suppl):S125.
