Team approach with gynecologists taking the lead role in selecting patients for uterine artery embolization

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) has become an increasingly popular treatment alternative to hysterectomy in the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Despite its growing promise, UAE has yet to be consistently offered by gynecologists to their qualified patient candidates. At the West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division, and Charleston Area Medical Center's Vascular Center of Excellence, we have implemented a team approach with gynecologists taking a pivotal role in the selection, co-management, and follow up of patients receiving UAE for the treatment of their uterine fibroids. We have developed a list of indications for UAE treatment in patients using our experience plus a literature search using Medline with keywords "Uterine Artery Embolization" and "Uterine Fibroids/Myomas."