Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors of the uterus that affect a large portion of women, particularly during their reproductive years. While many fibroids remain asymptomatic, approximately 30% cause significant symptoms, including abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and complications affecting fertility. The widespread impact of fibroids on women’s health and quality of life underscores the need for effective, non-invasive treatment options that reduce symptom burden while minimizing surgical intervention. This blog explores leading medical devices for fibroid management and the practical considerations for implementing them in clinical settings.
Uterine Fibroid Medical Devices
SoftWave Therapy: Advanced Shockwave Device
SoftWave Therapy, the best shockwave therapy for providers, offers a distinctive non-invasive approach through broad-focused shockwave technology. This device, equipped with a patented parabolic reflector applicator, disperses energy over a large area, reaching both superficial and deep tissue layers.
This technology facilitates a biological response that modulates inflammation, promotes angiogenesis, and accelerates tissue regeneration, all without inducing microtrauma. The wide treatment coverage of SoftWave’s applicator makes it an appealing option, allowing extensive tissue engagement, which stands out compared to conventional focused or radial shockwave devices.
Due to its non-invasive nature, SoftWave Therapy minimizes procedural risks, positioning it as a safe and efficient option for fibroid management with reduced treatment frequency and fewer side effects.
MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS), also known as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), merges MRI imaging with high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely target fibroids. This non-invasive therapy employs MRI to visualize and guide ultrasound waves, producing localized thermal coagulation within fibroids, ultimately inducing necrosis and volume reduction. This technique has shown that around 71% of patients experience symptom relief at six months post-treatment.
However, it is limited by specific contraindications, including patients with pacemakers, post-menopausal status, or certain fibroid characteristics, such as large (>10 cm) or gadolinium-non-enhanced fibroids (Giuliani et al., 2020). Although generally effective, MRgFUS is associated with a higher re-intervention rate of approximately 30.5% compared to surgical options like myomectomy or uterine artery embolization (UAE).
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Devices
RFA uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy fibroid tissue, shrinking the fibroids and alleviating symptoms. During the procedure, a thin probe or needle is inserted into the fibroid, and radiofrequency energy is applied, targeting and heating the fibroid tissue to induce cell death. RFA is typically performed laparoscopically or with a transcervical approach, allowing for precision while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
The benefits of RFA for uterine fibroids include reduced recovery time, less post-operative pain, and preservation of the uterus, making it a desirable option for women seeking non-hysterectomy treatments. Patients can often resume normal activities within a few days. However, RFA has limitations; it may not be effective for all fibroid sizes or locations, and it does not remove the fibroid tissue completely, which means that some fibroids could potentially regrow. Additionally, while RFA effectively reduces fibroid symptoms, it is not recommended for women who plan to conceive, as its impact on future pregnancies is not fully understood.
Benefits of Non-Invasive Options in Uterine Fibroid Management
Non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments provide advantages over traditional surgical approaches, especially in terms of patient comfort, recovery time, and procedural safety. Devices like SoftWave Therapy stand out as they require no surgical incisions, thereby reducing the risk of infection and other complications often associated with invasive procedures. Additionally, these treatments offer a quicker return to daily activities, which is a notable benefit for patients with demanding lifestyles.
Bring SoftWave Therapy to Your Practice: Advanced Care for Uterine Fibroids
SoftWave Therapy introduces an efficient and advanced solution for uterine fibroid management with its patented broad-focused shockwave technology. This device’s unique applicator spreads energy across a wide and deep area, allowing treatment of fibroid tissue in brief, 10-minute sessions that require no anesthesia.
For medical professionals, SoftWave Therapy offers practical and clinical advantages. Its minimally invasive design facilitates high patient satisfaction, immediate feedback, and comfort without causing microtrauma—benefits that support positive clinical outcomes and broaden the scope of treatable conditions. Additionally, SoftWave provides hands-on training options to help clinics seamlessly integrate the device while boosting clinic visibility. Enhance your practice with SoftWave Therapy, and join the growing network of leading medical centers using this technology to deliver transformative patient care.
