Uterine artery embolization

During a uterine artery embolization, a doctor inserts a thin tube called a "catheter" into the "femoral artery" at the top of 1 leg. Then he or she advances the tube until the tip of the tube reaches a smaller artery on the other side of the body, called the "uterine artery," which carries blood to the uterus (on left). Next the doctor injects a special dye that can be seen on X-rays. The dye allows the doctor to see which arteries bring blood to the fibroid. Next, the doctor injects tiny plastic beads into those arteries to block the flow of blood (see panel on right). This cuts off the blood supply to the fibroid, which causes the fibroid to shrink.