During UFE, where are the catheters typically placed?

During uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), catheters are typically placed in the internal iliac arteries. This is because the internal iliac arteries supply blood to the uterus and surrounding pelvic structures, making them the most effective pathway for delivering embolic agents directly to the uterine arteries. By accessing the internal iliac arteries, interventional radiologists can accurately target the blood supply to the fibroids, effectively reducing their blood flow and leading to their subsequent necrosis and shrinkage.

The other options represent arteries that are not primarily responsible for supplying blood to the uterus. The superior mesenteric arteries primarily supply the intestines, the common femoral arteries branch into the major arteries of the leg, and the renal arteries supply the kidneys. While they are critical structures within the vascular system, they do not serve the specific need for targeting uterine fibroids during this procedure.