The Miami Vascular Specialists Women’s Health Program

Did you know…?

• Uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterine wall) occur in up to 50% of women over age 35 and can cause chronic, painful symptoms.
• Chronic pelvic pain may be caused by varicose veins in the pelvis/ovaries, and affects 15% of women age 20-50.

The MVS team has established the Women’s Health Treatment Program to deliver effective, compassionate solutions for patients who suffer from these conditions.
Our board certified physicians are proud to offer innovative, minimally invasive embolization techniques that deliver exceptional results with minimal recovery times.

Pinpointing the source of chronic pelvic pain

Many women suffer from chronic, painful symptoms associated with uterine fibroids or pelvic congestion syndrome. These can include:

• Heavier and longer menstrual periods
• Pain and pressure in the pelvic area
• Pain during and/or after intercourse
• The urge to urinate often
• Pain when tired or standing

Pelvic congestion syndrome is particularly challenging because varicose veins are hard to detect when the patient is lying down during a standard pelvic exam. To pinpoint the source of pelvic pain, the MVS team begins by discussing the patient’s symptoms with her OB/GYN and ensuring that other sources of pain or inflammation have been ruled out. They also conduct a thorough assessment and may use one or more of the following imaging techniques to arrive at an accurate diagnosis:

• MRI – Using specific techniques designed for viewing the uterus and/or pelvic blood vessels.
• Pelvic ultrasound – Conducted while the patient is standing, when necessary.
• Transvaginal ultrasound – Used to achieve a clearer view inside the pelvic cavity; performed while the patient is standing, when necessary.
• Pelvic venography – Performed by injecting contrast dye in the veins of the pelvic organs to make them visible during an x-ray. The MVS team uses this information to design a treatment plan that will achieve prompt and effective resolution of the patient’s condition.

Delivering effective solutions without open surgery

Minimally invasive embolization techniques are amazing new treatment options for women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, or uterine artery hemorrhage. MVS physicians insert a tiny catheter into the femoral vein in the groin and reach the affected area using state-of-the-art x-ray guidance. Precision techniques are then used to seal off painful veins, block blood supply to fibroid tissues, or seal off arteries that could cause life-threatening bleeding.