Women's Health Interventions

Interventional radiology care involves the treatment of several different conditions specific to women's bodies, such as uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain and female infertility. Interventional radiology combines minimally invasive procedures with imaging techniques to deliver effective results without surgery.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroid tumors in the uterus by cutting off their blood supply with an embolic agent. Fibroids, also known as myomas, are benign growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus and can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure on the bladder and bowel.

During a uterine fibroid embolization, a small incision is made in the groin and a catheter is passed through a uterine artery. Tiny particles of plastic or gelatin sponge are then injected into the catheter to block blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to gradually shrink or disappear. Most women experience significant or complete relief from their symptoms following this procedure.

Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography is an X-ray technique used to detect or stage abnormalities within the uterus, such as tumors, fibroids or adhesions. This procedure uses fluoroscopy and a contrast material to produce detailed images of the internal organs in motion. It can also be used to evaluate the openness of the fallopian tubes and determine the cause of repeated miscarriages or infertility.

When combined with selective salpingography (radiology of the fallopian tubes) or fallopian tube recanalization, this procedure can help to treat blockages, not only relieving pain and other symptoms, but treating some causes of female infertility as well.

Treatment of Pelvic Venous Congestion

Pelvic venous congestion is a condition that involves chronic pelvic pain associated with varicose veins in the pelvis. This problem commonly develops during pregnancy and may worsen over time. Women with this condition may also suffer from swelling, abnormal menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse and other troubling symptoms.

Pelvic venous congestion is often treated through embolization, which cuts off the blood supply to the varicose veins and prevents them from becoming engorged. This causes the veins to slowly diminish in size. No incision is made during this outpatient procedure and no anesthesia is required. Many patients experience significant relief from symptoms following a pelvic embolization, although some temporary cramping is to be expected after the procedure.