TREATMENT

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

IMAGE-GUIDED EMBOLIZATION TREATMENT

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to reduce blood flow to symptomatic uterine fibroids. For selected patients, it may help improve heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and fibroid-related symptoms without removing the uterus.
  • Treats uterine fibroids
  • Reduces fibroid blood flow
  • Preserves the uterus
  • Uses catheter guidance
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Uterine fibroid embolization blocks blood flow to fibroids so they can shrink over time and symptoms may improve.

UFE may be considered for selected patients with fibroid-related bleeding, pressure, pain, or bulk symptoms. Treatment planning depends on fibroid size, location, symptoms, imaging findings, fertility goals, and overall health.

WHAT IS UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION?

Uterine fibroid embolization, also called UFE or uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids.

Tiny embolic particles are delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the fibroids. As the fibroids lose blood supply, they may shrink over time and related symptoms may improve.

UFE is not appropriate for every patient with fibroids. The best treatment depends on symptoms, fibroid size and location, pregnancy goals, imaging findings, and whether other gynecologic conditions may be contributing to symptoms.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Pelvic pressure or pain
  • Bulk-related symptoms
  • Wants uterus preserved
  • Imaging confirms fibroids
A full evaluation helps determine whether UFE is appropriate based on symptoms, fibroid imaging, uterine anatomy, fertility goals, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Uterine fibroid embolization may be considered when fibroids are causing symptoms and reducing their blood supply may help.

Uterine Fibroids

Noncancerous uterine growths may cause bleeding, pressure, pain, or bulk-related symptoms.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Fibroid-related bleeding can contribute to anemia, fatigue, and quality-of-life disruption.

Pelvic Pressure

Large or multiple fibroids may cause pelvic fullness, pressure, or urinary symptoms.

Fibroid-Related Pain

Some fibroids may contribute to pelvic pain, cramping, or discomfort depending on location.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Shrinks fibroids over time
  • May reduce bleeding
  • May ease pressure
  • Avoids hysterectomy
  • Preserves the uterus
Benefits depend on fibroid type, size, location, symptom cause, fertility goals, and follow-up care.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Uterine fibroid embolization is performed with imaging guidance. A catheter is guided to the uterine arteries, and tiny particles are delivered to reduce fibroid blood supply.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Fibroid imaging is reviewed
  • Symptoms are discussed
  • Medications are reviewed

During the Procedure

  • A catheter is placed
  • Uterine arteries are mapped
  • Fibroid flow is reduced

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Cramping may occur
  • Symptoms are tracked
  • Follow-up may be needed

Risks / Considerations

  • Pain can occur
  • Infection is possible
  • Symptoms may persist

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on fibroid size, location, symptoms, and treatment goals, UFE may be considered alongside other gynecologic or image-guided options.

Embolization

A broader image-guided technique used to block targeted blood flow in selected conditions.

Tumor Embolization

A related embolization approach used to target blood supply to selected tumors or growths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids so they may shrink and symptoms may improve.
No. UFE does not remove the uterus. It reduces blood supply to fibroids, while hysterectomy removes the uterus.
Candidates may include selected patients with symptomatic fibroids, imaging-confirmed fibroid disease, and a preference for a uterus-preserving minimally invasive option.
Symptoms may improve gradually as fibroids shrink over time. The timeline varies based on fibroid size, location, and individual healing.
Some patients may develop new symptoms or need additional treatment over time. Follow-up helps monitor response and future care needs.
Fertility and pregnancy goals should be discussed before treatment. UFE may not be the best option for every patient planning future pregnancy.

Locations

LVVIS offers vascular evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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