MRI Guided focused ultrasound ablation for uterine fibroids
What is MRgFUS
MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Ablation or MRgFUS is a completely non-invasive treatment which uses a combination of MRI scanning and a high energy ultrasound generator built into the MRI scanner table to treat fibroids. This cutting edge therapy is only available in a very limited number of specialist centres worldwide. The MRI scanner allows the treatment to be planned to that the ultrasound waves are focused through the skin (without any needles or incisions) on points in the fibroid to create a localised heating effect which causes cell death within the fibroid.
Dr. Crowe, through the Birmingham Fibroid Clinic, is now in a position to offer this state of the art treatment. The initial consultation and MRI scan can be arranged at any of our locations in the Midlands
Before MRgFUS
Dr. Crowe can see and assess you at whichever location is most convenient for you. An MRI scan will be arranged to assess suitability for MRgFUS which will depend on the location, number and size of the fibroids. If for whatever reason your fibroids are not suitable for MRI guided ablation he can recommend and arrange a suitable alternative treatment.
If you are already under the care of a gynaecologist and wish to stay with your existing gynaecologist for follow up referral can be made directly to Dr. Paul Crowe, Consultant Radiologist, for MRgFUS. He will then liaise with your gynaecologist and GP for follow up.
The MRgFUS treatment procedure
Having had the MRI scan and confirmed suitability for the procedure arrangements can then be made for the treatment itself which takes place as a day case. As preparation for the procedure a bladder catheter is inserted and a small cannula is placed in an arm vein to administer sedation if desired and pain control medications. Depending on the size of fibroids being treated can take up to 3-4 hours. You go home later the same day after any sedation administered has been given time to wear off. You can get further information and watch a video of an actual treatment procedure on the Insightec website www.insightec.com
After MRgFUS
You may experience some crampy period type pain for a few days but should be back to normal activities within 1-2 days. You will receive initial telephone follow up from one of our specialist nurses and full details of follow up will be given to you in a discharge information pack on the day or your treatment.
Next Steps
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK has published Guidance for MRgFUS and copies of the patient information leaflet for this guidance can be downloaded from the downloads section
For more information or to make an appointment for an initial consultation contact Dr. Crowe