What type of material is commonly injected during UFE procedures?

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles are commonly used during Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedures as they effectively occlude the blood supply to uterine fibroids. When PVA particles are injected into the uterine arteries, they create a blockage, leading to ischemia of the fibroids and ultimately their shrinkage. PVA is particularly beneficial because it can be formulated in various sizes, allowing for targeted embolization of different blood vessel diameters, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the procedure.

Additionally, PVA particles are biocompatible, which minimizes the risk of adverse reactions during and after the procedure. They are also suspended in a solution that allows for easy injection through the catheter, making them a practical option for interventional radiologists in achieving successful outcomes for patients undergoing UFE.

In contrast, gelatin sponges are more often used as hemostatic agents and may not provide the same long-term occlusion effect as PVA. Coil embolization is a different method that involves placing metal coils to block blood flow, which is typically used for larger vessels and not specifically for UFE. Sclerosant solutions are utilized in other forms of embolization therapy, such as treatment of varicose veins,