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Zhang J, Go VA, Blanck JF, Singh B. A Systematic Review of Minimally Invasive Treatments for Uterine Fibroid-Related Bleeding. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:2786-2809. [PMID: 34480321 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Newer minimally invasive techniques provide treatment options for symptomatic uterine fibroids while allowing uterus preservation. The objective of this review was to analyze the efficacy of uterine-preserving, minimally invasive treatment modalities in reducing fibroid-related bleeding. A comprehensive search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to July 2020. English-language publications that evaluated premenopausal women with fibroid-related bleeding symptoms before and after treatment were considered. Randomized controlled trials were assessed for bias with the established Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 and observational studies were assessed for quality under the New Castle-Ottawa Scale guidelines. Eighty-four studies were included in the review, including 10 randomized controlled trials and 74 observational studies. Six studies on myomectomy demonstrated overall bleeding symptom improvement in up to 95.9% of patients, though there was no significant difference between mode of myomectomy. Forty-one studies on uterine artery embolization reported significant reduction of fibroid-related bleeding, with symptomatic improvement in 79 to 98.5% of patients. Three studies suggested that embolization may be superior to myomectomy in reducing fibroid-related bleeding. Six studies reported that laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion combined with myomectomy led to greater reduction of bleeding than myomectomy alone. Fifteen studies demonstrated significantly reduced bleeding severity after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Additional research is needed to establish the superiority of these modalities over one another. Long-term evidence is limited in current literature for magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery, cryomyolysis, microwave ablation, and laser ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Virginia-Arlene Go
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Joseph Hospital Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jaime Friel Blanck
- Informationist Services, Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhuchitra Singh
- Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Yu S, Silverberg K, Bhagavath B, Shobeiri SA, Propst A, Eisenstein D. Post-Market Safety of Laparoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation. JSLS 2021; 24:JSLS.2020.00050. [PMID: 33510567 PMCID: PMC7810431 DOI: 10.4293/jsls.2020.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Postoperative safety outcomes with laparoscopic intra-abdominal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation, as performed by gynecologic surgeons new to the procedure, were evaluated and compared to the premarket, pivotal study. Post-procedure feedback from surgeons was reported. Methods This was a post-market, prospective, single-arm analysis with 4 to 8 weeks follow-up among surgeons (n = 29) with varying levels of laparoscopic surgery experience participating in the ongoing, multinational Treatment Results of Uterine Sparing Technologies randomized clinical trial. Patients were premenopausal adult women (n = 110) desiring uterine-conserving treatment for symptomatic fibroids. During run-in, surgeons received proctored training. Following training, and after performing ≥ 2 procedures, surgeons provided self-assessment and feedback using a standardized form. Results Surgeons performed 105 procedures with 100 per-protocol patients. The average number of proctored cases per surgeon was 2.48. No acute (≤ 48 hours) serious adverse events occurred (0/101, 0.0%) compared with 2 acute serious adverse events in the premarket study (2/137, 1.46%). Both studies reported 1 near-term (∼30 days) serious adverse event (< 1% for both). In this study, the near-term complication was fever of unknown origin requiring hospitalization related to uterine entry/manipulation. This was categorized as probably device-related; the patient was treated with antibiotics and discharged. Twenty-six surgeons completed the evaluation form; none reported experiencing problems with the procedure. Conclusion Minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons can learn laparoscopic intraabdominal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation and perform it safely (in terms of acute and near-term serious adverse events) after ≥ 2 proctored cases. There were no significant differences in safety outcomes compared to the premarket, pivotal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Yu
- Department of OB/GYN, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Bala Bhagavath
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
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Ierardi AM, Carnevale A, Pellegrino F, Stefano GD, Bonelli C, Renzulli M, Giganti M, Carrafiello G. Uterine Myomas: Extravascular Treatment. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2020; 42:56-74. [PMID: 33541590 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors that affect the female reproductive tract. They are responsible for considerable morbidity and deterioration of life quality. The main advantages offered by mini invasive techniques are low grade of invasiveness and short times of hospitalization. The most diffuse technique is uterine artery embolization (UAE). Common concerns with UAE include postprocedural pain, postembolization syndrome, and risk of infection. Image-guided thermal ablation techniques like radiofrequency ablation, percutaneous microwave ablation, and imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound were introduced to overcome the side effects related to UAE and surgery. The aim of this review is to briefly analyze the ablative procedures and their role in the management of symptomatic fibroids, and to describe the safety profile and outcomes of these modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Ierardi
- Radiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Aldo Carnevale
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Radiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Pellegrino
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Radiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Di Stefano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Radiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristian Bonelli
- Healthcare Professional Department, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Radiology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Speciality Medicine, Sant'Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Melchiore Giganti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Radiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Carrafiello
- Radiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Bradley LD, Pasic RP, Miller LE. Clinical Performance of Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2019; 29:1507-1517. [PMID: 31702440 PMCID: PMC7387230 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2019.0550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids and can be delivered by laparoscopic, transvaginal, or transcervical approaches. The evidence regarding typical patient outcomes with RFA has not previously been examined in a comprehensive fashion. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review of prospective studies for treatment of uterine fibroids with RFA. Main outcomes were procedure time, patient recovery metrics, change in fibroid volume, symptom severity score (SSS), health-related quality of life (HRQL), and reinterventions. Data were analyzed with random effects meta-analysis and metaregression. Results: We identified 32 articles of 1283 unique patients (median age: 42 years) treated with laparoscopic RFA (19 articles), transvaginal RFA (8 articles), or transcervical fibroid ablation (5 articles). Mean procedure time was 49 minutes, time to discharge was 8.2 hours, time to normal activities was 5.2 days, and time to return to work was 5.1 days. At 12 months follow-up, fibroid volume decreased by 66%, HRQL increased by 39 points, and SSS decreased by 42 points (all P < .001 versus baseline). The annual cumulative rate of reinterventions due to fibroid-related symptoms was 4.2%, 8.2%, and 11.5% through 3 years. Conclusions: RFA of uterine fibroids significantly reduces fibroid volume, provides significant durable improvements in fibroid-related quality of life, and is associated with favorable reintervention rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda D. Bradley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, Center for Menstrual Disoders, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Resad P. Pasic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Larry E. Miller
- Miller Scientific Consulting, Inc., Asheville, North Carolina
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Lin L, Ma H, Wang J, Guan H, Yang M, Tong X, Zou Y. Quality of Life, Adverse Events, and Reintervention Outcomes after Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation for Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids: A Meta-Analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2019; 26:409-416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.09.772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Levie MD, Chudnoff SG. A Prospective, Multicenter, Pivotal Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of the AEGEA Vapor Endometrial Ablation System. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2018; 26:679-687. [PMID: 30036631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the AEGEA Vapor System (Aegea Medical System, Menlo Park, CA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). DESIGN A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label, clinical trial. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 24 hours; 2 weeks; and 3, 6, and 12 months after the endometrial ablation procedure (Canadian Task Force Classification II-1). SETTING A private practice and outpatient and hospital settings at 15 sites in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Netherlands. PATIENTS One hundred fifty-five premenopausal women aged 30 to 50years with HMB as determined by a pictorial blood loss assessment score ≥150. Preoperative evaluation included ultrasound, sonohysterography or hysteroscopy, and endometrial biopsy. Screening inclusion allowed treatment of up to 12-cm uterine sound lengths and nonobstructing myomata. INTERVENTIONS Endometrial ablation (120-second treatment time) was performed under varying anesthesia regimens using the vapor system from September 2014 to May 2015. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The primary effectiveness end point was the reduction of menstrual blood loss to a pictorial blood loss assessment score ≤75. Success was judged based on the Food and Drug Administration's objective performance criteria, derived from the success rates of the first 5 global endometrial ablation pivotal clinical trials. The secondary effectiveness end points included quality of life and patient satisfaction as assessed using the Menorrhagia Impact Questionnaire and the Aberdeen Menorrhagia Severity Score as well as the need for surgical or medical intervention to treat abnormal bleeding at any time within the first 12 months after treatment. All adverse events, including device- and procedure-related events, were recorded. At 12 months, the primary effectiveness end point was achieved in 78.7% of subjects exceeding the OPC (p = .0004); 90.8% of subjects were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. Ninety-nine percent of subjects showed improvement in quality of life scores with an average decrease in the Menorrhagia Impact Questionnaire score by 8.1, 72% had less dysmenorrhea, and 85% of women whose sex lives were affected by their menses reported improvement in their sex lives. There were no reported serious adverse device effects or any reported serious adverse events that were procedure related. CONCLUSION The AEGEA Vapor System is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option for performing in-office endometrial ablation under minimal anesthesia for the purpose of treating women who suffer from HMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Levie
- Montefiore Medical Center, Centennial Women's Center, Bronx, New York (Dr. Levie).
| | - Scott G Chudnoff
- Stamford Health/Columbia University Medical School, Stamford, Connecticut (Dr. Chudnoff)
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Reintervention risk and quality of life outcomes after uterine-sparing interventions for fibroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:698-707.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Laberge P, Garza-Leal J, Fortin C, Grainger D, Johns DA, Adkins RT, Presthus J, Basinski C, Swarup M, Gimpelson R, Leyland N, Thiel J, Harris M, Burnett PE, Ray GF. A Randomized Controlled Multicenter US Food and Drug Administration Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of the Minerva Endometrial Ablation System: One-Year Follow-Up Results. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2017; 24:124-132. [PMID: 27687851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and effectiveness of the Minerva Endometrial Ablation System for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in premenopausal women. DESIGN Multicenter, randomized, controlled, international study (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING Thirteen academic and private medical centers. PATIENTS Premenopausal women (n = 153) suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding (PALM-COEIN: E, O). INTERVENTION Patients were treated using the Minerva Endometrial Ablation System or rollerball ablation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS At 1-year post-treatment, study success (alkaline hematin ≤80 mL) was observed in 93.1% of Minerva subjects and 80.4% of rollerball subjects with amenorrhea reported by 71.6% and 49% of subjects, respectively. The mean procedure times were 3.1 minutes for Minerva and 17.2 minutes for rollerball. There were no intraoperative adverse events and/or complications reported. CONCLUSION The results of this multicenter randomized controlled trial demonstrate that at the 12-month follow-up, the Minerva procedure produces statistically significantly higher rates of success, amenorrhea, and patient satisfaction as well as a shorter procedure time when compared with the historic criterion standard of rollerball ablation. Safety results were excellent and similar for both procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Laberge
- Laval University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Jose Garza-Leal
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Claude Fortin
- Hôpital de LaSalle, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Delbert Alan Johns
- Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fort Worth, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Monte Swarup
- New Horizons Women's Care Branch of Arizona Ob/Gyn Affiliates, Chandler, Arizona
| | - Richard Gimpelson
- Mercy Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nicholas Leyland
- McMaster University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Thiel
- University of Saskatchewan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | | | - Gene F Ray
- KCAS Bioanalytical & Biomarker Services, Shawnee, Kansas
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Braun KM, Sheridan M, Latif EZ, Regush L, Maksymowicz A, Weins L, Bedaiwy MA, Tyson N, Davidson MJ, Sanders BH. Surgeons' early experience with the Acessa™ procedure: gaining proficiency with new technology. Int J Womens Health 2016; 8:669-675. [PMID: 27920582 PMCID: PMC5126001 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s119265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Successful adoption of a new surgical procedure varies among practicing surgeons, and skill acquisition depends on the surgeon’s innate ability, the complexity of the technique, and training. We report intraoperative and near-term postoperative outcomes from the Acessa procedure conducted by minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons new to Acessa, and report the surgeons’ experiences during the training period. Patients and methods The study was designed as a postmarket, prospective, single-arm, multicenter analysis of operative and early postoperative outcomes after proctored surgical training with the Acessa device and procedure (laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of symptomatic fibroids) in premenopausal, menstruating women as conducted in community and university hospitals in the USA and Canada. Surgeons completed evaluation forms once they felt they could safely and comfortably conduct the operations. Results Ten gynecologic surgeons without prior Acessa experience completed 40 Acessa procedures – all on an outpatient basis. Mean procedure time was 1.9±1.0 hours and was similar to that reported in the pivotal premarket study (2.1±1.0 hours). Two intraoperative complications occurred: a 1 cm uterine serosal laceration due to uterine manipulation and blood loss from both the probe insertion site and the lysis of uterine-omental adhesions. No postoperative complications or reinterventions for fibroid symptoms were reported. The surgeons completed the evaluation forms after two to five cases, and none found any factors affecting procedure efficiency to be inferior or needing improvement. Conclusion Minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons new to Acessa can perform the procedure and provide acceptable outcomes after two to five proctored cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli M Braun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Mark Sheridan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saskatoon Obstetric and Gynecologic Consultants
| | - Erin Z Latif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lexy Regush
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon
| | - Anet Maksymowicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regina General Hospital, Regina
| | - Laura Weins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon City Hospital, Saskatoon, SK
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver
| | - Nerissa Tyson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon City Hospital, Saskatoon, SK
| | - Marilyn J Davidson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saskatoon Obstetric and Gynecologic Consultants
| | - Barry H Sanders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of General Gynaecology and Obstetrics and Division of Gynaecologic Specialties, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Abstract
Laparoscopic, ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new, FDA-cleared uterine sparing, outpatient procedure for uterine fibroids. The procedure utilizes recent technological advancements in instrumentation and imaging, allowing surgeons to treat numerous fibroids of varying size and location in a minimally invasive fashion. Early and mid-term data from multi-center clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficacy, with resolution or improvement of symptoms and significant volume reduction. Re-intervention rates for fibroid symptoms have been low. The procedure is well tolerated with a typically uneventful and rapid recovery requiring NSAIDs only for postoperative pain. While post RFA pregnancy data are limited, the results are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce B. Lee
- Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, 1250 16th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA
- Roxbury Clinic and Surgery Center, 465 N Roxbury Dr. #1001, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 USA
- Ventura Surgery Center, 1752 S Victoria Ave #A, Ventura, CA 93003 USA
- Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of OBGYN, University of California|, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Steve P. Yu
- Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of OBGYN, University of California|, Los Angeles, CA USA
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12
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Abstract
A debate among gynecologic and reproductive surgeons is whether or not there is a clinical need to treat all intramural myomas. Considerations include myoma size and number, ability to access them, whether or not they compromise the endometrium, and treatment effect on gynecologic, reproductive, and obstetric outcomes. We conducted a detailed study regarding intramural myomas, their prevalence in subject populations, the imaging methods used to detect them, their growth rate, their suspected adverse effects on gynecologic, fertility, and obstetric outcomes, and the effectiveness of various treatment methods. The growing body of evidence reported in the literature supports the need to manage intramural myomas and to treat them appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra J Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bruce R Carr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Abstract
Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of uterine leiomyomas with a new Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device, a device that delivers radiofrequency energy, is a novel procedure that aims to meet patient and physician demand for effective, minimally invasive leiomyoma treatment. However, as a new procedure, the durability of symptom relief, the safety in widespread use, and ultimately the comparative effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of leiomyomas need further study. In June 2013, the University of California Fibroid Network, a collaboration of the five University of California Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, launched the Uterine Leiomyoma Treatment with Radiofrequency Ablation Study, an investigator-initiated early postmarket approval clinical trial of radiofrequency ablation of leiomyomas. In this commentary, we provide a review of the FDA approval process for medical devices using the device that delivers radiofrequency energy as a case study and describe significant limitations of this process that may adversely affect clinical care. We show how the deficiencies in the FDA process have challenged our ability to conduct independent early postmarket research evaluating the safety and long-term effectiveness of this novel technology. Our experience validates the Institute of Medicine's recommendation that advancements in surgical technology introducing new treatments without long-term effectiveness data, comparative study, or both should emerge onto the market under research conditions. Until the FDA requires more rigorous study of novel devices, we suggest ways of working together as a community of gynecologic surgeons to evaluate promising new technologies in early postmarket studies, putting research before widespread adoption of surgical innovation.
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Galen DI. Electromagnetic image guidance in gynecology: prospective study of a new laparoscopic imaging and targeting technique for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Biomed Eng Online 2015; 14:90. [PMID: 26471917 PMCID: PMC4608284 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-015-0086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uterine fibroids occur singly or as multiple benign tumors originating in the myometrium. Because they vary in size and location, the approach and technique for their identification and surgical management vary. Reference images, such as ultrasound images, magnetic resonance images, and sonohystograms, do not provide real-time intraoperative findings. Methods Electromagnetic image guidance, as incorporated in the Acessa Guidance System, has been cleared by the FDA to facilitate targeting and ablation of uterine fibroids during laparoscopic surgery. This is the first feasibility study to verify the features and usefulness of the guidance system in targeting symptomatic uterine fibroids—particularly hard-to-reach intramural fibroids and those abutting the endometrium. One gynecologic surgeon, who had extensive prior experience in laparoscopic ultrasound-guided identification of fibroids, treated five women with symptomatic uterine fibroids using the Acessa Guidance System. The surgeon evaluated the system and its features in terms of responses to prescribed statements; the responses were analyzed prospectively. Results The surgeon strongly agreed (96 %) or agreed (4 %) with statements describing the helpfulness of the transducer and handpiece’s dynamic animation in targeting each fibroid, reaching the fibroid quickly, visualizing the positions of the transducer and handpiece within the pelvic cavity, and providing the surgeon with confidence when targeting the fibroid even during “out-of-plane” positioning of the handpiece. Conclusions The surgeon’s positive user experience was evident in the guidance system’s facilitation of accurate handpiece tip placement during targeting and ablation of uterine fibroids. Continued study of electromagnetic image guidance in the laparoscopic identification and treatment of fibroids is warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01842789.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald I Galen
- Aspen Surgery Center, John Muir Memorial Hospital, Walnut Creek, CA, USA. .,, 13 Homestead Court, Danville, CA, 94506, USA.
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Hahn M, Brucker S, Kraemer D, Wallwiener M, Taran FA, Wallwiener CW, Krämer B. Radiofrequency Volumetric Thermal Ablation of Fibroids and Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Long-Term Follow-up From a Randomized Trial. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2015; 75:442-449. [PMID: 26097247 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1545931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) has been the gold standard treatment for uterine fibroids in women desiring uterine conservation. To evaluate a new fibroid treatment modality - radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation (RFVTA) - we compare 12-month results in women who had symptomatic uterine fibroids and who were randomized to laparoscopic ultrasound-guided RFVTA or LM. Materials and Methods: Our study is a 1 : 1 parallel, randomized, prospective, single-center, longitudinal, comparative analysis of RFVTA to LM for fibroid treatment in women ≥ 18 years of age who desired uterine conservation. Fifty women were randomized intraoperatively to RFVTA (n = 25) or to LM (n = 25) after laparoscopic ultrasound mapping of the uterus. Results: Post surgery, ablation and myomectomy subjects took pain medications for 4 days (range: 1-46) and 7 days (range: 1-83 days) respectively (p = 0.60). Ablation and myomectomy subjects missed 10.0 workdays (range: 2-86 days) and 17.0 workdays (range: 7-30 days) (p = 0.28), resumed normal activities in 20.5 days (range: 5-103 days) versus 28.0 days (range: 10-42 days) (p = 0.86) respectively. Mean symptom severity scores decreased (improved) by - 7.8 for the ablation subjects and by - 17.9 for the myomectomy subjects (p = 0.16). Health-related quality of life improved (increased) by 7.5 and 13.1, respectively, for the two groups (p = 0.46). Two myomectomy subjects had pregnancies that ended in a Cesarean delivery and a vaginal delivery of healthy infants. Two pregnancies in the RFVTA group ended in full-term vaginal deliveries of healthy infants. Conclusions: Early postoperative recovery and twelve-month results attest to similar clinical benefits from RFVTA and LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen
| | - S Brucker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen
| | - D Kraemer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen
| | - M Wallwiener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg
| | - F-A Taran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen
| | - C W Wallwiener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen
| | - B Krämer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen
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