If you suffer from uterine fibroids—noncancerous tumors that grow on or in the muscle wall of the uterus—you may have heard of a fibroid treatment called uterine fibroid embolization, or ufe.

As ufe grows in popularity as a nonsurgical alternative to a hysterectomy, you might be wondering exactly what the procedure entails and what technology is used. Like with any medical procedure, understanding how it works in the body can help you and your doctor decide if this treatment is right for you.

What is ufe?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. The doctor makes a small incision in the groin area and guides a catheter through the bloodstream to the fibroids.

There, small particles are inserted into the femoral artery to  block the blood supply to the fibroids. Without an incoming supply of blood, the fibroids will stop growing and begin to shrink.

The procedure usually takes no more than an hour and you can often go home the same day, or after spending one night in the hospital. Recovery time is about 1-2 weeks, after which you can resume your normal day-to-day activities.

We found that 90% of women who have had this procedure report satisfaction at follow-up. Many notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms and in their own self-confidence.

What exactly are the particles used in ufe?

The particles that many interventional radiologists use are called Embosphere® Microspheres—gelatin beads similar to the consistency of soft contact lenses. The beads are very tiny, about the size of a poppy seed or grain of sand.

The size of the beads is carefully chosen by the interventional radiologist to ensure that only the blood supply to the fibroids is blocked and not the supply to the surrounding organs including the uterus.

The beads also have specific properties that help them do their job. These include non-aggregating properties, predictable distribution, and highly targeted delivery. Due to their texture and shape, the beads will not get stuck in the catheter or the artery, and therefore distribute as expected.

Embosphere Microspheres are the most clinically studied round embolic and have been used in procedures to help patients around the world.

Making the right choice for you

Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids. It’s a viable option for many women who want to preserve their uterus and find relief from painful symptoms.

Watch these videos to learn more about the particles used in ufe and why doctors choose to use Embosphere Microspheres.

PLEASE NOTE: The above information should not be construed as providing specific medical advice, but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician.