Uterine Fibroid Embolization - Known medically as uterine artery embolization, this approach to the treatment of fibroids blocks the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids causing them to shrink. It is a minimally-invasive procedure, which means it requires only a tiny nick in the skin, and is performed while the patient is conscious, but sedated (drowsy and feeling no pain). Fibroid embolization usually requires a hospital stay of one night. Interventional radiology at Sparrow Health System has been successfully performing uterine artery embolizations since 1998. This same procedure has been used for over 20 years to treat heavy bleeding after childbirth.
Fibroid embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist. A tiny incision in the skin at the groin is made and a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery. The catheter is guided through the artery to the uterus while the interventional radiologist guides the progress of the procedure using a moving x-ray. When the catheter reaches the uterine artery tiny plastic particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the artery that is supplying blood to the fibroid tumor. The particles flow to the fibroids first and wedge into the vessels and cannot travel to other parts of the body. This cuts off the blood flow and causes the tumor to shrink. Studies show that 78 to 94 percent of women who have the procedure experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding, pain and other symptoms.