Magnetic resonance image-guided transcutaneous focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids
Guidance issued
Number: IPG231
Summary:
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on magnetic resonance image-guided transcutaneous focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids.
Description:
Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or uterine myomas, are benign nodules of smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissue that develop within the wall of the uterus.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound is usually carried out under intravenous conscious sedation and continuous image guidance and monitoring. A catheter is inserted to drain the urinary bladder and to keep it empty during the procedure. Imaging is then used to identify the fibroid(s), and a low-power sonication is delivered into the centre of the target area. Once the location of these sonications is confirmed, higher power consecutive sonications are delivered to the target area to ablate the fibroid tissue. A thermal mapping sequence is used during the procedure to depict the extent of the heated tissue. After treatment, imaging is again used to evaluate the area of the fibroid ablated in comparison to the pre-treatment volume.
Arrangement:
Other (see guidance)
Topic Area:
Gynaecology, pregnancy and birth
Therapeutic procedures
Specialty:
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Specialist advice has been sought from:
British Society of Interventional Radiology
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Date notified to NICE:
15 August 2005
Provisional consultation date:
February 2007
IP Pub Date:
26 September 2007
Contact
Details:
Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
