Uterine artery embolization: Historical and anatomic considerations

Current techniques for uterine arteriography have greatly improved from tho se of the mid-1950s. Uterine artery arteriography and embolization has beco me an extremely valuable therapy for patients with gynecologic and obstetri cal bleeding emergencies. Currently, embolization is performed in more ofte n for the treatment of fibroids. Knowledge of the arterial supply to the ut erus and ovaries is essential for safe and effective uterine artery emboliz ation. In addition, as experience grows with embolization for fibroids, its application to patients with postpartum and postsurgical bleeding complica tions, problems with placentation and implantation, and uterine arterioveno us malformations should increase.