Quick Search
- What is Uterine Artery Embolization?
- What Happens During Uterine Artery Embolization?
- What Are the Benefits of Uterine Artery Embolization?
- Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
- Am I A Candidate for Uterine Artery Embolization?
- Uterine Artery Embolization FAQ
- Avoid a Lengthy Recovery with UAE
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
- Related Posts
What is Uterine Artery Embolization?
Uterine artery embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive technique performed by Dr. Derek Mittleider at Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Cocoa, FL, presents a modern alternative to traditional surgery for treating uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Fibroids, benign uterine growths, and adenomyosis, where uterine lining tissue invades the muscular wall, often lead to discomfort, including pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. While the usual surgical responses to these issues involve a hysterectomy (uterus removal) or a myomectomy (fibroid removal), UAE offers an effective solution for both conditions, enabling patients to avoid major surgery and its lengthy recovery process, thereby improving the quality of life with reduced medical intervention. Contact our office on Florida's Space Coast today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mittleider, and learn more about UAE.
What Happens During Uterine Artery Embolization?
During the UAE procedure, a small, flexible catheter is typically inserted into a blood vessel in the wrist, though occasionally it's placed in the groin, and guided to the uterine arteries. Through this catheter, tiny particles are injected to block blood flow, leading to the shrinking and eventual demise of fibroids and adenomyotic tissue. This minimally invasive procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing most patients to return home the same day and resume normal activities within days, significantly faster than post-surgery recovery. The typical return-to-work time is often two weeks or less. Patients often express high satisfaction with UAE due to its nonsurgical nature, shorter recovery time, preservation of the uterus, and avoidance of hormonal treatments. Additionally, UAE is known for lower complication rates compared to surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Uterine Artery Embolization?
Patients in and around Florida's Space Coast have reported lasting positive outcomes from uterine artery embolization. Here are some benefits of this effective treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis:
- Effectively treats fibroid disease
- Reduces symptoms, such as pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, and heavy menstrual bleeding
- Lower risk of major complications compared to surgery
- Shorter recovery time compared to a surgical approach
- Effective treatment with long-lasting results in patients with adenomyosis
Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
I couldn't be happier with the Doctor and the staff, everybody was very professional and caring I will definitely recommend Dr.Derek Mittleider, outstanding !
Friendliest staff and doctor!! Smooth from beginning to end. Clean facility. Recovery is going well. I have to go back for another procedure in December. This would not have been possible if they didn’t help me with my insurance.
Miracle worker! - I cannot express my gratitude enough for Dr. Mittleider! After being told by three different surgeons that amputation was the only option, being referred to a fourth whom refused to even see the patient because his case was 'too extensive', we were feeling completely hopeless. Dr. Mittleider took the time to listen and thoroughly assess the condition. He performed a miraculous procedure that not only saved the limb but also restored quality of life. His expertise, compassion, and dedication are unmatched. We are beyond thankful for his incredible work and highly recommend him to anyone in need of vascular care!
Dr. Mittleider and his staff are far better than 5 stars!!!! Thank you for taking such good care of me.
All the staff were so friendly and accommodating. It made this surgical experience completely uneventful. Thank you. Would recommend to anyone.
9
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Am I A Candidate for Uterine Artery Embolization?
If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure from fibroids, you might be a good candidate for uterine artery embolization. This minimally invasive procedure offers relief from fibroid symptoms and is suitable for women looking to avoid surgery while maintaining their uterus. During your consultation, Dr. Mittleider will review your health history and work with you to determine if UAE is suitable for you.
Uterine Artery Embolization FAQ
Is this procedure supported by the American College of Gynecology?
Yes. Since 2008, ACOG guidelines have included the statement that uterine artery embolization is recommended for women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to keep their uterus.
Is uterine artery embolization painful?
Women who have undergone UAE describe dull lower abdominal pain and cramping similar to menstrual pain for several days following the procedure. Intermittent gas pains may occur as well.
How long does the procedure take?
In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour. In patients with particularly large fibroids, it may take longer.
Am I awake during the procedure?
The procedure is done with the patient under moderate (or conscious) sedation sometimes described as “twilight.” The goal is to put the patient into a calm slumber.
How effective is UAE at treating symptomatic fibroids?
UAE is highly effective at improving fibroid symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pelvic pain. Studies report significant improvement in these symptoms in 80-90% of women. For women with symptoms related to the size of their fibroids, they can expect the fibroids to shrink 40-50% in size in the months following embolization.
How effective is UAE at treating symptomatic adenomyosis?
UAE is highly effective at improving adenomyosis symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and painful periods. Studies show that 70-85% of women experience significant symptom relief.
What are the risks of UAE?
Non-target embolization (the beads traveling to an unintended location) is a risk of any embolization procedure. Serious complications of non-target embolization from UAE are extremely rare (less than 1 in 1000). Temporary and permanent menopause has been reported following UAE due to beads traveling to the ovaries. Permanent menopause in UAE occurs in fewer than 5% of patients, almost all of whom are over 45 years of age.
Can I get pregnant following UAE?
Yes. Published data suggests that women can get pregnant after UAE at similar rates to untreated women of comparable age with fibroids. There may be increased success of pregnancy with other fertility-sparing procedures such as myomectomy.
Avoid a Lengthy Recovery with UAE
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids or adenomyosis, you may be deciding what treatment is best for you. Uterine artery embolization offers a nonsurgical solution that addresses all fibroids simultaneously, preserves your uterus, eliminates the need for a hospital stay, and reduces symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. It also comes with the benefit of a brief recovery period. Take the first step to an improved quality of life, and schedule a consultation at Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Cocoa, FL to learn more about uterine artery embolization.