Transvaginal uterine artery occlusion for treatment of uterine leiomyomas

摘要

A method for treating uterine leiomyomas, which includes vaginally accessing the cardinal ligament surrounding at least one uterine artery, and occluding the flow of blood through the least one uterine artery. The blood can be occluded by compression. The artery can be compressed by ligating the cardinal ligament. In addition, at least one uterosacral ligament can be ligated. In addition, the artery can be compressed by, clipping, stapling or clamping the cardinal ligament. The blood can also be occluded by coagulating the at least one artery. Coagulation can be done with a laser or a cauterizing device. A system for treating uterine leiomyomas, which includes vaginally accessing the cardinal ligament surrounding at least one uterine artery using a surgical suture passing device to extend a ligature around the ligament, and affixing a ligature around the cardinal ligament to occlude the flow of blood through at least one uterine artery. Also, a system for treating uterine leiomyomas, which includes vaginally accessing the cardinal ligament surrounding at least one uterine artery, providing an absorbable clip and/or staple, and affixing the clip and/or staple around the ligament to occlude the flow of blood through the at least one uterine artery.