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This is the third installment of my geeky science series on the abstracts and posters presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 32nd annual Scientific Meeting held March 1 – March 6, 2007.
Pregnancy after MRgFUS for Uterine Fibroids: First Experiences
Received an email message from a visitor who wanted to pass along this information about the additional ExAblate 2000 approvals by the FDA. Thanks for the update!
From the email message:
The FDA approved new software that allows the ExAblate 2000 incisionless surgery procedure to be performed more efficiently by permitting more sonications during the same treatment window. This means that women with fibroids can be treated faster and women with larger fibroids may now be eligible for the outpatient procedure. The greater the area of the fibroid that a physician can treat, the greater the symptom relief. The agency is also allowing the system to be used with a more powerful open MRI machine, which means the physicians will have an even more precise view inside the woman’s body.
You can click the links to view the full press releases on Insightec’s web site but I included excerpts…
That would be my Interventional Radiologist (AKA Batman). I had my 6-month post-UFE MRI on last Wednesday. Stay tuned for that post because the experience was pretty funny. Remember my first MRI? Much better this time.
So, I saw my IR on yesterday. The rest of this post is taken directly from a comment I left on one of my update posts in response to Aly Fibroids who just HAD to know my results:
I was so excited because I KNEW everything had to be smaller. I feel so well. Things just must look better inside.
From the original comment on the ExAblate (MRgFUS) procedure:
Ruth: I’ve been investigating ExAblate as a potential candidate for over a year now, and finally had my consult at Virtua in NJ, with a 2nd opinion at Weill-Cornell in NYC. I really want to hear from anyone who has had this procedure…
Other comments: (Click the link to view the whole comment or the off-site link for more info.)
aiyin: Here’s an alternative procedure for zapping those pesky uterine fibroids. Unfortunately, it is so new my gynecologist never heard of it … http://www.universitymri.com/imageguided/fus_faq.html
Ellen: I am hoping that I will be eligible. Three SEDATED hours in an MRI, belly-down, while they blast the fibroids with ultrasound.
aiyin: Here’s more about ExAblate:
http://www.uterine-fibroids.org/index.html
The Related Post at the bottom contains information I gathered from a TIME magazine article as well as a few links to the ExAblate (MRgFUS) site.
[Edited to add the ExAblate toll-free number (US): 1 866 EXABLATE (1 866 392 2528). Thanks Randee!]
Leave a comment if you have an ExAblate experience (pre- or post-treatment), questions, or thoughts.
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Related Posts:
New treatment uses sound waves to shrink uterine fibroid tumors
ExAblate 2000 (MRgFUS) non-invasive fibroid treatment receives two new associated approvals by the FDA
Another popular search phrase – “pictures of fibroids”. I am hoping (one of these days) to figure a way to post the image I have of one of my fibroids. Acquired it after my Hysteroscopic Myomectomy. It actually shows where the doctor started shaving it down. Until then, here are a few sites to keep you occupied.
MayoClinic.com – How Fibroids Develop
Fibroids of multiple sizes (picture)
Fibroid locations (illustration)
MayoClinic.com – Signs and Symptoms
Degenerating fibroid (picture)
At MayoClinic.com, you can click the small thumbnail images to enlarge them.
Leiomyoma (Wikipedia)
Leiomyoma (fibroid) enucleated from a uterus (picture)
Notice the firm yet rubbery appearance.
Pictures of Fibroids (Flickr.com)
An interesting (dare I say, eclectic) assortment.
About Uterine Fibroids
MRI images of fibroids (scroll to the bottom of the page)
Know of other places to find fibroid pictures, photos, illustrations, or images? Want to comment on the ones listed here? Post your thoughts or questions.
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Related Posts:
OR-Live brings fibroid surgery video to your computer via medical webcasts
What are uterine fibroid tumors?
Would somebody tell me how much these dang fibroid tumors weigh?
Can I pass a uterine fibroid?
Stumbled upon a TIME magazine article as I wandered around the Internet looking for all sorts of fibroid information. It discusses the benefits of MRgFUS (Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound). This non-invasive procedure simultaneously images, treats, and ablates targeted areas. Approved by the FDA in 2004, it is available at approximately a dozen US locations and is also performed worldwide.
Read the TIME magazine article: Giving Fibroids the Heat
Other informational links:
MRgFUS – Non-invasive treatment for uterine fibroid tumors
ExAblate 2000 MRgFUS system
ExAblate 2000 treatment centers in the US and abroad
[Edited to add the ExAblate toll-free number (US): 1 866 EXABLATE (1 866 392 2528). Thanks Randee!]
Can’t believe the small number of facilities offering this treatment. I hope it continues to steadily increase. We’ve got to spread the word on ALL options.
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Related Posts:
Does anyone have an experience with ExAblate (MRgFUS)?
ExAblate 2000 (MRgFUS) non-invasive fibroid treatment receives two new associated approvals by the FDA
Jumped from my seat and joined the Interventional Radiologist standing by the MRI images. He pointed to my fibroids and I was awe-struck. There they were. Irregular masses everywhere. Inside of my uterus. Outside of my uterus. Fascinating but kind of creepy. I knew they would have to go. There was no way I could coexist with these dang uterine fibroid tumors.
The Verdict:
I was a candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) but required another procedure first.
There is a slight risk of passing fibroid tissue after UFE (from 2-3 percent according to Uterine Fibroid Embolization information at RadiologyInfo.org). This problem is associated with submucosal fibroids located just under the lining of the uterus.
Surgery prior to UFE would take care of my fibroid(s) that posed the greatest risk. So, my IR talked to my GYN and the two of them came up with a plan. Go team!
There seems to be a “smart and cute doctor” tree that grows in my neck of the woods. Every time I require medical assistance, an unknown force shakes that tree and another falls out. I now have two. Not complaining. Just an observation.
After my MRI, I was scheduled to meet with an Interventional Radiologist (IR) to determine if I was a candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization. While waiting, I chatted with the nurse. All of a sudden, the “debonair fibroid doctor” walked in. (I just had to wonder if you were required to submit a head shot or one of those movie screen tests to work in this hospital.) The IR shuffled through the images and then asked if I wanted a closer look. Of course, the geek in me could not resist.
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Related Posts:
How do I find a good local fibroid doctor?
How do I evaluate or rate a fibroid doctor?
What questions should I ask my fibroid doctor?
Does my Interventional Radiologist remind me of a comic book character?
Perhaps had I not been required to enter the MRI scanner headfirst, my brain would have behaved differently. Having considered myself a pretty civilized individual (lived with a roof over my head, ate with a fork, read books), nothing prepared me for the instinctive, primal reaction that occurred. “Fight-or-flight” and my mind wanted out. Could physically feel my brain racing around in my skull like some crazed jack rabbit. I was going deeper and deeper into this thing and I believe I was now experiencing a panic attack. My heart was beating out of my chest and I could not catch my breath. Oh, this is not good.
Brain struggled to piece together coherent thoughts. I finally remembered the technologist’s words:
“Squeeze this if you need to come out at anytime.”
The bulb. I have an out. My mind rejoiced. All I had to do was squeeze the bulb. Nothing happened. Yoohoo, hand. Squeeze the bulb. Still nothing. HEY! SQUEEZE…THE…BULB! Oh, it was on. Knock-down, drag-out between my mind and my body. The two had been fighting for decades but this one was on a new level. Like brawl cubed. Colorful language was used. Threats were made. Something about breaking from reality and emotional scarring. I don’t remember it all but it was ugly.
Then it happened. My spirit, normally tranquil, interrupted:
“We need to work together on this. Can’t continue to be sick from the fibroid problem. Must move forward. Time to be logical. Stop panicking. You aren’t sealed in here. You feet are sticking out. You could actually wiggle your way out of here if necessary. Calm down and listen to your CD.”
OK. Yeah. Feet were sticking out. Got happy and started moving my toes. Listed to my music and heard “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of “. Started giggling because I decided that this would be my “fibroid theme song”. The technologist came over the intercom and asked I was all right. I was fine. She started the test, telling me when to hold my breath and when to relax. Between listening to her voice and one of my favorite bands, the 30 minutes passed easily. Came out to get the injection of contrast material and went back in for about 5 minutes. Heard “Beautiful Day“. Yep, it was definitely turning out to be that way.
Note: Seems as though I’m not the only one with an MRI story. Check out: “How Stuff Works“.
Before my MRI appointment that would allow visualization of the fibroids, I decided to talk to my husband about his experience. Since he had been skydiving many times, I figured his opinion would be valid. My husband told me that he would not allow the technologist to start until someone assured him that in the event of a nuclear attack and subsequent power failure, he would still be able to get out. I started chuckling because I really thought he was being silly with the whole “nuclear attack” thing. My husband can be such a joker. I didn’t take him seriously. I will be fine.
The morning of, I looked over the instructions one more time:
Something about if you are claustrophobic and require medication…blah, blah. I had jumped out of a plane. I did not need sedation. Plus, I would know if I were claustrophobic, right? I will be fine. The second thing was the music. I could bring a CD and listen to it during the test. Cool. Definitely U2: The Best of 1990-2000. Meaningful lyrics. Music rocks. End of discussion.
Arrived and changed into the always fashionable hospital gown. Handed my CD to the technologist and stretched out on the sliding table. The technologist fully explained everything. If you are looking for a good web site that gives an overview of the procedure, visit: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Body. My test would take about 30 minutes. Then an injection of contrast material and back in for about 5 minutes. She warned me of the noisiness of the machine but said the headphones would help. The last thing I remember before going in was the technologist handing me a bulb and saying:
“Squeeze this if you need to come out at anytime.”
No problem. I’d get to listen to 30 minutes of U2. I will be fine.
10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is definitely not a sport.
9. It could possibly involve an injection with a needle.
8. You have to show up at a medical facility instead of an airfield.
7. You do not get to ride in a plane.
6. You change into a hospital gown instead of a cool jump suit and parachute.
5. Nobody slaps you on the back and says “good job” when you’re done.
4. There is no instructor physically with you the whole time (tandem jumping).
3. The sheer panic you feel is not the exciting thrill of participating in an adventure.
2. The view kind of sucks.
and the #1 reason why an MRI is not like skydiving:
“Hey, I just had an MRI” does not sound nearly as cool as “Hey, I just jumped out of a plane”.
It makes a great reference point. This will make more sense once I start posting about the MRI used to evaluate my fibroids.
When I turned 30, I wanted to do something huge (and slightly crazy). A dear friend decided we should round up some folks and go skydiving. That just sounded too cool. Didn’t seem to matter that I had never even been on a plane before. Minor detail. No big deal.
Because this was my first experience, the jump was tandem (me connected to an instructor). Got through the training and was excited to enter the plane. Felt that self-induced shot of adrenalin as the plane left the ground. Could not avert my eyes from the window. The clouds, the blue sky. Being up that high for the first time was breathtaking, mesmerizing. I remember hearing one of the experienced jumpers asking if I was OK and my friend responding that I had never flown before.
The moment arrived. It was my turn to exit the plane. With a tandem jump, the instructor was the one who actually pushed off. I had to walk to the edge, dangle my feet outside, and then observe nothing under them but thousands of feet of air. To me, that was the hardest part. A true test of faith.
I will never forget any of it. Closing my eyes in the doorway. Opening them when it felt like I was flying. Having a cartoon moment when, after opening my mouth, my jaws felt like rubber. Really enjoying the free-fall. Observing the absolute beauty of the world while under the canopy. Panicking slightly when I realized the ground was approaching quickly. Feeling relieved and exhilarated when I reached the ground and proud when the experienced jumpers shook my hand and slapped me on the back. The camaraderie in this sport was amazing.
Unforgettable. If you ever get the chance, do it. I’ve carried that feeling of accomplishment with me since and often use it as inspiration.
Now, let’s compare this to an MRI…
Look who’s talking about fibroids