This is a new minimally invasive therapy for women with symptomatic uterine fibroid tumors (myomas) that has been found to be suitable for many patients. Using a standard angiographic technique via the femoral (groin) artery, the uterine arteries, which supply blood to the tumors, are selectively catheterized and the tumor vessels are permanently occluded using particulate material.
General anesthesia is not necessary, hospital admission is only 24 hours, and full recovery to normal activity is expected within one week of treatment. The procedure has been shown to be highly effective and is currently the procedure of choice for women who have multiple tumors and desire to preserve the uterus.