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This minimally invasive procedure, previously known as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), is carried out while the patient is conscious but sedated, drowsy and feeling no pain.
A small, 1.5mm nick is made in the skin in the groin area and a catheter inserted into the artery. The catheter is guided through the arterial tree to the uterus while the Radiologist watches the progress of the procedure using a moving x-ray (fluoroscope).Tiny plastic or gelatin particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the artery that is supplying blood to the fibroids, cutting off the flow. Both left- and right-sided arteries are treated, usually requiring a single micro-incision.
After 1-2 nights in hospital the patient is allowed home and can resume normal activity as soon as she feels able. This can vary from a few days up to 2-3 weeks.
The fibroids shrink over the following months.
