The aim of uterine artery embolisation for treating adenomyosis is to block the blood supply to the adenomyosis, causing it to shrink. The intended benefits of the procedure are that it offers a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy, and fertility may be preserved.
With the patient under sedation and local anaesthesia, a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery (bilateral catheters are sometimes used). Fluoroscopic guidance is used to manipulate the catheter into the uterine artery. Small embolisation particles are injected through the catheter into both uterine arteries.
Various embolisation agents can be used for this procedure.