The aim of the procedure is to stop blood flowing into the vessels which supply the fibroids whilst preserving blood flow to the surrounding area.
The interventional radiologist will usually insert a 2-3 mm catheter (tube) into a blood vessel in your groin and will use image guidance to guide the catheter to each uterine artery (right and left). They will then inject microparticles (particles smaller than a grain of sand), into the uterine arteries to stop the blood flowing to the fibroids.
Uterine fibroid embolisation is performed to reduce the symptoms caused by fibroids whilst avoiding surgical methods.
Patient selection should always be performed by a gynaecologist, so if you are interested in seeing if you would be suitable for this procedure, you are advised to discuss this with your gynaecologist.