Arterial embolisation is a newly emerging treatment for myomas. With this method, the myoma is cut off from the blood supply using tiny plastic beads. The increased blood flow is reduced and the myoma literally "starves" and shrinks in size.
Shrinking of tissue
First a local anaesthetic is applied to the access site in the groin. Then a catheter is inserted into the inguinal artery. Using modern imaging techniques the target vessels in uterus, responsible for the supply of the myoma, can be probed with a very fine catheter.
After ensuring the correct position, tiny plastic beads are placed to close the vessels. These are well tolerated and remain in place for the entire life. The blood vessel is sealed (embolized) with said tiny plastic beads. The catheter is removed and the puncture site in the groin is closed by simple compression for a few minutes. The patient lies awake on his back covered by a sterile cloth for about one to one and a half hours during the treatment. The myoma shrinks within a few months.
