Uterine Fibroid Embolization

UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION
What you will experience during
a UFE procedure
After registering, you will meet the hospital staff, nurses
and your interventional radiologist. You will be brought
to the procedural suite and receive IV sedation. A small
catheter will be inserted into an artery over your hip and
directed into the artery on each side of your uterus.
welcome to suburban imaging
With the catheter in position, tiny particles will be placed
into both uterine arteries, blocking blood flow to the
fibroids, which will make the fibroids shrink over time.
what you should know about
> > Our team of subspecialty-trained radiologists, qualified
imaging technologists and compassionate professional
staff come together to provide a continuum of care for
you and your healthcare provider. Your comfort is our
main concern. When you are confident and at ease, we’ll
get the best results for you and your healthcare provider.
Our team makes it easy to schedule appointments, to
help you prepare for your exam, and ensures you a
comfortable and quality experience.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
We are conveniently located throughout the Twin Cities
area to provide easy access for your imaging needs:
Blaine • Burnsville • Coon Rapids • Maple Grove
Northwest • Southdale • The Breast Center
We offer the following services:
MRI • CT • PET/CT • Ultrasound
Spinal & Joint Injections • Nuclear Medicine
Vascular Center • X-ray • Bone Density
Mammography • Breast Diagnostic Services
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UFE consultation is available at our
Coon Rapids office: 763.792.1900
The procedure takes about two hours and requires an
over-night hospital stay to ensure appropriate IV
medication for pain. You will be discharged the following
morning. Most women report a return to normal
activities in approximately one week. Length of
recovery time does vary from patient to patient.
8990 Springbrook Drive, Suite 140 | Coon Rapids, MN 55433
610
After your UFE procedure
We will contact you to schedule a three month followup visit at Suburban Imaging. At this visit, you will have
a pelvic MRI exam to determine the fibroid’s response
to the embolization. Your interventional radiologist will
review the MRI images and discuss your results and
progress with you.
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For detailed directions, visit our website
at www.suburbanimaging.com
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quality medical imaging
experienced subspecialty radiologists | state-of-the-art technology
uterine fibroid embolization
Uterine fibroid diagnosis
Fibroids are usually diagnosed during a gynecologic
examination because of symptoms you describe. Your
healthcare provider will likely detect that your uterus
is enlarged due to one or more uterine fibroids during
your pelvic examination. A minority of patients with
uterine fibroids have a normal sized uterus.
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Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology
offering minimally-invasive treatment options for
patients who may otherwise require surgery. An
interventional radiologist is a medical doctor with special
training and experience in medical imaging procedures.
Uterine fibroid embolization is performed by our boardcertified, fellowship-trained interventional radiologists.
Interventional Radiologists
The presence of fibroids is most often confirmed by a
pelvic ultrasound. Fibroids are further evaluated with an
MRI exam (magnetic resonance imaging). MRI is an
important tool used to determine treatment options.
Ultrasound and MRI are painless outpatient diagnostic
imaging exams performed at Suburban Imaging.
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are
non-cancerous tumors of smooth muscle, the same
type of muscle that makes up the uterus. Fibroids may
develop in different parts of the uterus. Depending
on the location, they are called intramural fibroids,
subserosal fibroids or submucosal fibroids.
Kevin Henseler, MD
Adam Jeffers, MD
Anne Reddy, MD
Daniel Thompson, MD
Treatment options for uterine fibroids
Appropriate treatment depends on the size and location
of the fibroids, as well as the severity of your symptoms.
Treatment options for symptomatic uterine fibroids
include medical management or surgical procedures,
including hysterectomy. The presence of fibroids is
the most common reason for a woman to have a
hysterectomy in the United States.
Another treatment option, Uterine Fibroid Embolization
(UFE), is a minimally-invasive alternative for those who
wish to avoid a hysterectomy. There is less risk and less
pain associated with UFE. Ninety percent of patients
with uterine fibroids experience a decrease or resolution
of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure
following UFE.
Uterine fibroids may cause abnormal uterine bleeding
and/or pelvic pain and pressure. Abnormal bleeding is
usually caused by submucosal or intramural fibroids.
Intramural and subserosal fibroids are usually the cause
of pelvic pain and pressure.
All women are at risk of getting fibroids. Uterine fibroids
are the most common tumors of the female genital tract.
They occur in 20-25% of women of childbearing age.
The Vascular Center at Suburban Imaging
Before UFE
After UFE
If you have questions about Uterine Fibroid
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Embolization, please call our nurse at 763.792.1980.
One of our interventional radiologists will assess your
diagnostic imaging studies (your prior ultrasound and
MRI) and our nurse will schedule a consultation at
Suburban Imaging to review your treatment options.
During this time, our team will determine if UFE is
appropriate for you. The details of the procedure, including
the benefits and risks, will be discussed. If you choose
to have UFE, your procedure will be scheduled at the
hospital and performed by one of Suburban Imaging’s
interventional radiologists.
quality medical imaging
experienced subspecialty radiologists
state-of-the-art technology