bilateral uterine arterial embolization

a method of embolizing the uterine artery under radiodiagnostic control, usually performed using Tras/Acryl gelatin microspheres (see embolization). It has been successful in controlling postpartum haemorrhage in 94.9% of cases and can also be used in correcting arterial or venous malformations and in terminating abdominal and cervical pregnancies. The technique has recently been introduced as a treatment for uterine fibroids; although it controlled bleeding in about 82-92% of cases, further studies are required to evaluate issues relating to necrosis of tumours, sepsis, and the long-term effect on size and recurrence rates of fibroids.