Uterine Artery Embolization

Providing a minimally invasive option for treating uterine fibroids 

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is performed by an interventional radiologist, a doctor who uses X-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery. During UAE, you are given sedation medication or an epidural from anesthesia but remain awake. The doctor inserts a thin tube into an artery at the top of your thigh, then uses X-ray imaging to guide the tube to the uterine artery. Tiny round particles called Embosphere® Microspheres are injected into the blood vessels that lead to the fibroids. They block blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink. Embosphere Microspheres remain permanently at the fibroid site. The process is repeated in your other uterine artery for complete blockage of blood flow to the fibroid.

UAE is an option for women who:

• Have fibroids that are causing symptoms
• Want to keep their uterus
• Do not want surgery or are not a good candidates for surgery
• Want a shorter recovery time than surgery

Henry Ford Health has a dedicated team of interventional radiologists who perform the UAE procedure. To be considered for the UAE procedure, you may ask your gynecologist or primary care physician to refer you. You may also call us directly to schedule a consult with interventional radiology.

To learn more about the UAE procedure at Henry Ford Health or to inquire about scheduling an appointment, please call (248) 325-0730. A specialist will contact you within 48 hours to follow up.