The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist under conscious sedation. Access is commonly through the radial or femoral<unk>  via the wrist or groin, respectively. After anesthetizing the skin over the<unk>  of choice, the<unk>  is accessed by a needle puncture using Seldinger technique. An access sheath and guidewire are then introduced into the<unk> . In order to select the<unk>  vessels for subsequent<unk> , a guiding catheter is commonly used and placed into the<unk><unk>  under X-ray fluoroscopy guidance. Once at the level of the<unk><unk>  an angiogram with contrast is performed to confirm placement of the catheter and the embolizing agent (spheres or beads) is released. Blood flow to the fibroid will slow significantly or cease altogether, causing the fibroid to shrink. This process can be repeated for as many<unk> es as are supplying the fibroid. This is done bilaterally from the initial puncture site as unilateral<unk> s have a high risk of failure. With both<unk> <unk> es occluded, abundant collateral circulation prevents<unk>  necrosis, and the fibroids decrease in size and vascularity as they receive the bulk of the<unk>  material. The procedure can be performed in a hospital, surgical center or office setting and commonly take no longer than an hour to perform. Post-procedurally if access was gained via a femoral<unk>  puncture an occlusion device can be used to hasten healing of the puncture site and the patient is asked to remain with the leg extended for several hours but many patients are discharged the same day with some remaining in the hospital for a single day admission for pain control and observation. If access was gained via the radial<unk>  the patient will be able to get off the table and walk out immediately following the procedure. The procedure is not a surgical intervention, and allows the uterus to be kept in place, avoiding many of the associated surgical complications.
Uterine artery embolization
Uterine balloon tamponade
Uterine myomectomy
Tubal ligation
Vasectomy reversal
Glomectomy
Vasectomy
Resuscitative hysterotomy