Procedure and Indications
Under local anesthesia, an interventional radiologist introduces a catheter into the femoral artery at the groin and uses radiographic guidance to advance the catheter into the uterine artery. Microparticles (spheres or beads) are then released, which will block blood flow through the vessel. Even if both uterine arteries are occluded, abdundant collateral circulation prevents the uterus from necrosing. The procedure is not a surgical intervention, and allows the uterus to be kept in place.
UAE is frequently used to relieve symptoms caused by uterine fibroids. It has satisfaction rates similar to hysterectomy and much shorter recovery times. It does affect fertility in some cases and other interventions may provide better results when fertility should be preserved.
UAE can also be used to control heavy uterine bleeding for reasons other than fibroids, such as postpartum obstetrical hemorrhage.
Read more about this topic: Uterine Artery Embolization
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