A new twist on the Waltman loop for uterine artery embolization for fibroids

The usual ipsilateral approach for uterine artery embolization is to form a Waltman loop. Newer nonbraided 4-F catheters can be problematic because of their tendency to kink or unfold while the loop is being formed. Herein, a modification of the Cope suture technique is described by which a Waltman loop is formed with use of a 4-0 Tevdek suture that allows the catheter to be folded back on itself, drawing it into the ipsilateral iliac artery. If necessary, the catheter can be prevented from unlooping by twisting the cat heter on itself to lock it in position. The technique allows for efficient catheterization of the ipsilateral uterine artery.