Abstract
Leiomyomata uteri remain a common gynecologic problem, associated with a significant clinical and economic burden of illness. Despite a variety of currently available interventions for uterine fibroids, there remains an unmet clinical need for novel therapies. Doppler-guided uterine artery occlusion is a promising investigational procedure for the treatment of symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. This procedure may also have potential uses in the management of adenomyosis, postpartum hemorrhage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and heavy abnormal uterine bleeding in women with bleeding disorders, and as neoadjuvant therapy in conjunction with myomectomy. A teleconference of leading gynecologic surgeons was held to build consensus around potential uses of this new technology. Based on pilot studies and expert opinion, Doppler-guided uterine artery occlusion appears to have promise for the management of fibroid-associated symptoms and may have application in the setting of other obstetric and gynecologic disorders.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
Andrea Lukes is a principal investigator for the Doppler-guided Uterine Artery Occlusion Clinical Trial within the USA. Herve Fernandez is an investigator in the Doppler-guided Uterine Artery Occlusion International Study, and in addition, is a paid consultant for Ethicon Women’s Health & Urology. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
Writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. Nancy Bella, PharmD, of MedErgy, provided editorial assistance, which was funded by Ethicon.