What is MRgFUS?

Frequently Asked Questions about MRgFUS

I think I might have fibroids - how can I tell?

Only your physician can diagnose fibroids.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of fibroids, you may wish to speak with him or her:

• Very heavy and prolonged monthly periods, sometimes with clots
• Pain in the back or in the legs
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pressure on the bladder which leads to a constant need to urinate, incontinence, or the inability to empty the bladder
• Pressure on the bowel which can lead to constipation and/or bloating
• An enlarged abdomen which may be mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy

How will my physician tell if I have fibroids?

During your gynecological examination, your doctor will check the size of your uterus.
If it feels enlarged, your doctor may order an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound or a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging session, which can confirm the presence, location and size of fibroids.
After identifying the size and location of your fibroids, and possibly after other diagnostic tests, your doctor may be able to rule out other conditions, advise you of your options and recommend a course of treatment for fibroids.

I just heard of this treatment and I looked up everything on the internet - how do I sign up to be treated?

You will need to make a consultation appointment with one of our staff.
Based on your medical history, the size and location of your fibroid and other factors, he or she will determine if you are a suitable candidate for ExAblate treatments.

How do I know if I am eligible for treatment?

If you require treatment for your fibroid related symptoms, but want to avoid surgery and preserve your uterus, we will be happy to arrange a consultation with you.
A physician will ask you questions about your fibroid symptoms, general health and medical history.
You will also have routine blood work, an internal gynecological examination and MR imaging of your fibroids.
Based on this information, the physician will decide if you are a candidate for ExAblate.

What types of fibroids can be treated with ExAblate?

Your physician will determine if your fibroids are suitable for treatment.
ExAblate can be used for submucosal, subserosal, and intramural uterine fibroids.
These are terms that are used to describe the location of the fibroid within the uterus.
More than one fibroid can be treated.
Fibroids that are pedunculated (hanging from a stalk), in close proximity to sensitive organs (such as bowel or bladder), or in a location inaccessible by the focused ultrasound may be untreatable.

Who is not eligible for the ExAblate treatment?

In general, people who cannot go into an MRI will not be able to have the ExAblate treatment – this includes patients with metallic implants, patients who are claustrophobic, and patients who are allergic to the contrast agent, a dye used to see blood vessels during MR imaging.
Your physician will discuss these with you.

I recently had a myomectomy but my fibroids are still bothering me - can I get this treatment?

Your doctor is the best person to talk to about this.
Depending on how the surgery was performed, patients who have scar tissue on their abdomen from myomectomy or a previous surgery/C-section may not be eligible for the treatment since focused ultrasound is not indicated when large scar tissue is present.

I previously had a Uterine Artery Embolization/Uterine Fibroid Embolization - can I still get this treatment?

Uterine Artery Embolization involves the injection of microbeads made of poly-vinyl alcohol or other materials that block the small vessels of the fibroid and uterus.
There were no patients with previous UFE/UAE treatment in the previous clinical studies, and the risks are unknown at this time.

What are my other treatment alternatives?

Your physician would be the best person to discuss treatment alternatives with you. Other available treatments are:

• Watchful waiting
• Hysterectomy
• Abdominal myomectomy
• Laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy
• Uterine artery embolization
• Hormone Therapy

Will this treatment affect future pregnancy?

One of the attractions of MRgFUS treatment is that by avoiding hysterectomy it can keep fertility options open.
As yet there are still relatively small numbers of reports cases (approximately 150 successful pregnancies around the world) but indications are that MRgFUS may be a safer option than other types of fibroid treatment if future pregnancy is desired.
We would however advise that you wait until after your 6 month follow up MRI scan before trying to conceive.