The medical intervention uses specialized embolic agents as materials to close off blood vessels. Through uterine fibroid embolization, the materials are essential to blocking blood flow to fibroids. Rapid fibroid reduction becomes possible when the particles cut off oxygen and nutrients supply to these fibroids.
Initially applied in the 1970s to control gastrointestinal bleeding, embolic agents have been modified for application in other medical conditions, such as fibroids. The particles can comprise more than one material, the most popular being polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin sponges. In UFE procedures, the particles function as sand-sized beads that successfully block vessels.
The Role of Embolic Agents in UFE
Although uterine fibroids receive their supply of nutrients by way of distorted blood vessels, they continue to be nourished. Fibroids are provided with abnormal blood flow by way of ruptured ships, and this causes abnormal blood distribution and initiates their growth.
The twisted vessels contribute to the fibroid’s aching symptoms, like heavy menstrual flow, cramps, and pain in the pelvis. Under extreme conditions, fibroids may even result in pregnancy complications.
The embolic agents in UFE aim to occlude these blood vessels that provide the fibroids with nutrients. The blood circulation is cut off by embolic particles being injected into the blood vessels of the fibroid’s blood vessels. The blood supply cutoff reduces the fibroids’ size and alleviates the resulting symptoms.
How Do Emboli Agents Work?
The procedure of uterine fibroid embolization requires multiple stages of execution. As the first step, Doctors insert a catheter through a blood vessel located at the groin or wrist. The fibroid specialist uses imaging technology, including ultrasound and X-ray, to direct the catheter toward the fibroid supplying artery.
When the catheter device reaches the appropriate artery, a physician will introduce embolic agents into the vessel. The physicians select large-sized embolic agents that block blood flow but do not harm nearby tissues. The embolic agents that travel through blood vessels stop at small vessels where they block the artery until the blood supply to the fibroids ceases.
The fibroids decrease in size because their complete blood supply has been cut off. When fibroids shrink, the health condition makes symptoms, such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure, subside.
Different Types of Embolic Agents
Not all embolic agents are the same, and the choice of the agent can vary depending on the patient’s specific case and the doctor’s preference. The most commonly used agents in UFE are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles and gelatin sponges.
1. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Particles: PVA particles are made from synthetic polymers and are used extensively in embolization procedures. The synthetic polymer materials used for making PVA particles are the main embolization agents in medical procedures. Different sizes of PVA particles exist for selection according to patient anatomical needs. These particles deliver effective blood flow obstruction through their dimensions, which prevent damage to adjacent healthy tissue.
2. Gelatin Sponge Particles: These particles are derived from gelatin and are frequently used in embolization procedures. They are biodegradable and designed to dissolve over time after the embolization procedure. Gelatin sponge particles effectively block blood flow in the body to form a natural occlusion in the blood vessels feeding the feed rods.
Both PVA particles and gelatin sponge materials effectively decrease the size of fibroids and relieve symptoms. Which embolic agent to use is determined by the physician’s discretion and what the patient requires.
The Benefits of UFE and Embolic Agents
The efficiency of Uterine fibroid embolization outweighs the treatment procedures founded on surgical methods. The principal benefit of the technique lies in its minimal invasiveness because it requires only a tiny incision to insert the catheter. Patients who undergo UFE treatment experience reduced pain duration and faster recovery periods together with lower complications than those who receive standard treatments such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.
Patients who undergo UFE treatment experience reduced pain duration and quicker recovery periods together with lower complications than those who receive standard treatments such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.
Conclusion
Doctors use Uterine fibroid embolization as a successful surgical approach for fibroids that is minimally invasive for potential female patients. The primary elements of this intervention include embolic agents that restrict blood flow to fibroids for reduction and symptom relief purposes. Specialists treating fibroids can establish a secure and effective treatment option versus surgical methods by using proper embolic agents and advanced imaging tools.
If you are suffering from symptoms of uterine fibroids, including heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during sex, you should seek a fibroid specialist. You can decide together whether UFE and embolic agents are the solution for your situation, providing hope for relief and a better quality of life without resorting to more aggressive surgery.
