Both UAE and UFE are minimally invasive procedures. UAE is used to treat uterine fibroids or adenomyosis and UFE is used to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids while avoiding the risks associated with traditional surgery. Both procedures use tiny particles that are injected into the treatment area in the uterus. In a UFE, the particles cut off the blood flow to the fibroid and may cause it to shrink.

Yes. There are a few minimally invasive treatment options to treat uterine fibroids for women looking to avoid open surgery, including Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), ablation, and MRI-guided ultrasound surgery.

UAE is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to reduce the size of fibroids and improve symptoms while potentially avoiding hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Ablation is a procedure where a doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin directly into the fibroids and uses heat or another method to destroy the tissue right away.

MRI-guided ultrasound surgery is a new approach where ultrasound waves are used to destroy fibroids, but is considered less effective than UAE.

UAE is a potential alternative treatment to a hysterectomy and myomectomy, and endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. UAE may help women whose fibroids cause symptoms and who want to keep their uterus. They may have tried medication first, but not felt relief.

UAE may reduce pain, pressure, and bleeding from fibroids. It may be less painful than traditional surgery. UAE may treat many fibroids at the same time, and it is not affected by abdominal scar tissue from prior surgery. Compared to a hysterectomy or myomectomy, a UAE typically:

• Involves a shorter hospital stay
• May allow you to go back to work and other activities sooner
• Has lower rates of blood transfusion

PED-UAE is a minimally invasive procedure using a specialized microcatheter system (like the TriNav Infusion System) to deliver tiny particles to the treatment area in the uterus. Because this specialized microcatheter is designed to help control particle delivery, treatment may be delivered more precisely to the blood vessels flowing to fibroids. The particles cut off the blood flow and cause fibroids to shrink.

Most women living with uterine fibroids are good candidates for UAE, especially if:

• You experience fibroid symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pressure
• You prefer to avoid open surgery and want to preserve your uterus
• You are considering pregnancy in the future
• You do not have a history of pelvic infections or certain reproductive health issues
• You hope to have a shorter recovery time

Talk to your doctor to see if UAE may be right for you.

During UAE, tiny particles are delivered to the treatment area in the uterus through a very thin, flexible tube called a microcatheter. During PED-UAE, a specialized microcatheter system (like the TriNav Infusion System) that uses pressure-enabled technology to help distribute embolic particles more effectively into the targeted vessels that go to the fibroid. This approach supports more controlled particle delivery while maintaining blood flow during the procedure. Talk to your doctor to determine which one is right for you.

Using live x-ray imaging, an Interventional Radiologist inserts a specialized microcatheter system (like the TriNav Infusion System) through a small puncture in the wrist or groin area and guides it to the blood vessels going to the treatment area. Tiny particles are then injected through the tube to block the blood supply to the fibroids. Without this blood flow, the fibroid can shrink over time and may lead to a reduction in related symptoms.

Yes. PED-UAE is performed through a small puncture in the skin, most commonly in the wrist or groin, rather than a surgical incision.

PED-UAE is usually an outpatient procedure, which means that most patients go home the same day and may be able to return to many normal activities within a few days.

In most cases, you will not require lifelong hormone replacement because PED-UAE can preserve the uterus and ovaries, resulting in normal hormonal function. Your physician will most likely want to monitor you after treatment in the clinic.

PED-UAE is a uterine-sparing procedure, so pregnancy may still be possible for most women. However, women who wish to become pregnant should discuss fertility goals with their doctor.

PED-UAE is typically performed by an Interventional Radiologist or another physician trained in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures, often in partnership with your OB-GYN. These specialists use advanced imaging technology to precisely guide the microcatheter and deliver treatment to the targeted arteries.