Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a safe and effective alternative to surgery for treating fibroids and adenomyosis. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that helps shrink fibroids or adenomyosis without removing the uterus. One common question is about the safety of the small permanent particles used in embolization.
Embolization Particles: What is it Made of
There are many different types of material that can be used to close a blood vessel: glue, gel, particles, metal coils, foam, liquids, antibiotics, and so on. Depending on the target, an interventional radiologist trained in embolization techniques will choose the type of embolic required. Listed below are some of the embolics used for uterine artery embolization:
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): Small particles that are safe for the body and stay in place permanently.
- Trisacryl gelatin microspheres (like Embospheres): Soft, round beads that are also permanent and safe.
- HydroPearls and Bead Block: Special beads made to block blood flow in a permanent and reliable way.
These materials are designed to block the blood supply to fibroids. They stay in place permanently and are not harmful. Doctors have used similar materials safely for many years in other parts of the body to treat conditions like bleeding, tumors, and abnormal blood vessels.
Permanent Embolization Particles: Safe?
Yes. These particles have been used safely for decades. They are biocompatible, which means they’re safe to stay in the body. They don’t move, dissolve, or cause reactions.
Key Safety Points:
- Precise Delivery: Doctors use special imaging to make sure the particles only go to the blood vessels feeding the fibroids or adenomyosis.
- Stay in Place: Once the particles are delivered, they stay put and do not travel to other parts of the body.
- Long-Term Safety: Studies show that these materials do not cause problems later on.
- Won’t Interfere With Scans: These particles don’t show up on most medical imaging, so they won’t affect future tests like MRIs or ultrasounds.
How do we know Embolization Particles are Safe?
The particles used in UAE go through strict testing to make sure they are safe for use in the body. They are approved by the FDA for use in blood vessels. These materials are:
- Non-cancer causing
- Stay where placed (in the blood vessels feeding the fibroids)
- Sterile and inert, meaning they do not cause infection or trigger your immune system
Doctors have used similar materials in many other procedures, like stitches, bleeding control agents, and cosmetic fillers. These materials are known to be safe and reliable.
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Embolization: Common Questions About Permanent Particles
No. The particles are too big to travel through the body. Our doctor carefully guides them to the correct area and make sure they stay there.
No. The particles are sterile when used and don’t cause infection. Infections after UFE are very rare and are usually due to special type of fibroid tissue, not the particles themselves.
Yes, and that’s a good thing. Their job is to permanently stop blood flow to the fibroids. If temporary materials were used, the fibroids could grow back.
Embolization: How Effective Is UFE?
UFE works well for most women who have it:
- Relief of Symptoms: About 85–95% of women feel much better after the procedure.
- Fibroid Shrinkage: Most fibroids shrink by 40–60% within six months.
- Lasting Results: Most women don’t need another treatment. The success rate over five years is similar to surgery.
Embolization: Recovery After UFE
Most women recover quickly after UFE. Here’s how it compares to surgery:
| Aspect | UFE |
|---|---|
|
Anesthesia |
Mild or local sedation |
|
Hospital stay |
None. Go home the same day |
|
Return to work |
In about 5–7 days |
|
Pain management |
Oral medication (ibuprofen and mild opioids) |
|
Resumption of activities |
Gradual over 1–2 weeks |
Comparison: Recovery from hysterectomy may take 4–8 weeks, depending on the type of surgery.
Risks of UFE vs. Fibroid Surgery
All medical procedures have risks. Here’s a comparison:
UFE Risks:
- Cramping and pain (usually for 3–5 days)
- Fatigue, fever, or nausea in some women (10–15%)
- Rare infection (<1%)
- Very rare chance of particles affecting nearby tissues
- Temporary or rare permanent changes to menstrual cycle
Surgery Risks (Myomectomy or Hysterectomy):
- Risks from general anesthesia
- Blood loss and transfusion
- Infection or wound problems
- Internal scar tissue
- Uterine scarring
- Long recovery
- Possible effects on fertility
UFE is often safer and has fewer complications than surgery. It may not be right for every woman, but for many, it’s a good choice—especially for those who want to keep their uterus.
Embolization: Gelfoam and Temporary Agents
Gelfoam is a material that dissolves after a short time. It’s used in some procedures but isn’t ideal for UFE because the fibroids could grow back when blood flow returns. Still, it has been used safely in other situations, like stopping bleeding during surgery. Our doctor treats patients with gelfoam embolization in the setting of post-partum delivery.
Contact Us Today
Request an appointment to meet with our fibroid specialist who will review your imaging, labs and history to determine if you are candidate for the procedure, and the outcomes you can expect. Each woman is an individual and should discuss the potential risks and benefits of fibroid embolization and other Treatments with our doctor to decide which option is best for her.
Appointments are available via an online video telehealth platform or in person at one of the offices in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego. Why should you choose us? Read here.
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- Pron G, et al. Infection risk after uterine fibroid embolization. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2005;16(6):955–961.
- Katsumori T, et al. Long-term outcomes of embolization with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres in uterine fibroids. AJR. 2011;196(5):W534–W539.
- Goodwin SC, et al. Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine leiomyomata: midterm results. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 1999;10(9):1159–1165.
- de Bruijn AM, et al. Uterine artery embolization vs. hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 10-year results from the randomized EMMY trial. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2016;215(6):745.e1–745.e12.
- Moss JG, et al. First-line embolization therapy for uterine fibroids: results of the REST randomized trial. Radiology. 2011;258(2):635–642.
