To accomplish this, Dr. Cutillo uses a thin flexible catheter to deliver the particles. He observes the intricate procedure through a remote viewing system and is able to target the exact artery needed with an x-ray map of the patient's blood vessels. It's also important to realize that this procedure should only be performed by an experienced specialist who has been trained in the specific techniques. Dr. Cutillo noted that within a week of the procedure, patients may experience some shrinkage of their fibroid tumors. The sand-like particles become a permanent part of the patient's arterial system, and in most cases, the fibroids do not reoccur.
Uterine fibroids cause many long-lasting problems in women, such as infertility.
Cases have been documented where women have actually delivered children after uterine fibroid embolization. Another advantage is that this procedure closes no doors for the patient, because the traditional treatment options are still available at a later date. For more information, call the Moses Taylor Radiology Department at 340-2602.