Interventional Radiology

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an interventional radiological technique to block the arterial supply to the uterus by placing an angiographic catheter (Small tube) under x-ray guidance into the uterine arteries (Vessels supplying uterus) via a common femoral artery approach and injection of embolic agents (polyvinyl alcohol particles (PVA)) into both uterine arteries until the flow becomes sluggish. The mechanism of UAE’s action is by blocking or reducing uterine blood flow to produce an ischemic injury to the fibroids, causing them to undergo necrosis and shrink.

Very few women are aware of this alternative, which does not want a patient to remain overnight in the hospital. It gives women a better alternative, enables them to return to active life early. The procedure has been used successfully in the West for over two decades. In the United States, according to an estimate, over 14,000 undergo uterine fibroid embolization every year.