As is the case with all procedures, not everyone will be suitable for MRgFUS.

Fibroid Size:

Your suitability for the treatment will be assessed following an MRI scan reviewed by our clinical team, as they will need to determine the size and location of your fibroids, and presence of any small bowel in front of your uterus which may make treatment more difficult.  In general, fibroids greater than 2cm and smaller than 15cm will be amenable to treatment.

Contraindication to MRI Scanning:

Some patients will not be suitable for MRI scanning, an essential part of the MRgFUS treatment. MRI scanning should not be used when there are any metal implants anywhere in the body as there is potential for interaction between the strong MRI magnet and any metal object. Metal objects can be in the body for several reasons:

Medical:

Implanted cardiac pacemakers, metal aneurysm clips, or broken bones repaired with metal pins, screws, rods or plates. In some cases, like metal in a reconstructed leg, the difficulty may be overcome.

Injury:

Patients must tell the doctor in advance if they have bullet fragments or other metal pieces in their body from old wounds. The suspected presence of metal, whether from an old or recent wound, may need to be confirmed before scanning by a simple x-ray.

Occupational:

People whohave significant exposure to metal particles (working with a metal grinder, for example) should discuss this with their doctor prior to treatment.

Weight Limit:

There is a maximum weight limit for the treatment which is 95kg.  Where patients are at the upper weight limit, we will need to ensure that the procedure is safe to carry out in terms of ensuring safe positioning in the scanner before treatment goes ahead.

Claustrophobia:

Patients who are claustrophobic (uncomfortable in confined spaces) may not be suitable candidates for treatment.  Relaxation medication is provided during the procedure which may help you continue with treatment.  Throughout the procedure you will be in constant contact with the treatment team, and will be able to stop the treatment at any time using a hand-help shutdown control.

Abdominal Scarring:

We cannot treat patients who have vertical abdominal scarring between the belly button and pubic bone.  Women who have had standard, low and horizontal caesarean sections can usually receive treatment, as can women who have scars to the side of their abdomen.  Any abdominal scars will be reviewed at the time of your MRI scan and gynaecology assessment.

Menopause:

MRgFUS is not suitable for treatment of women who are post-menopausal.

Other:

MRgFUS is designed to treat the symptoms of fibroids by causing fibroid cell death, without removing it from the body.  The procedure is therefore not suitable for women who wish to have the fibroid completely removed from the body.  Although shrinkage will occur, this may be minimal in some cases.

MRgFUS cannot treat cysts, endometriosis or adenoymosis.