RF Ablation as Alternative to Hysterectomy

A new device uses radio frequency (RF) energy for endometrial ablation, removing the lining of the uterus in a single 90-minute treatment.

The device can detect a perforated uterine wall prior to energy delivery and can also customize the amount of energy used according to the specific size of each woman's uterus. Called NovaSure, the procedure does not require general anesthesia or endometrial pretreatment drug therapy and can be performed at any time during a woman's cycle. It permanently removes the lining of the uterus and eliminates the cells responsible for regeneration. NovaSure is the product of Novacept, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA, USA).

"Two hundred thousand hysterectomies performed each year are attributed to heavy bleeding. NovaSure has rendered hysterectomy as an unnecessary option and as virtually obsolete for treating excessive menstrual bleeding in most women,” said Dr. Michele Gerber, obstetrician/gynecologist with Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego (CA, USA). "There is no reason to remove an otherwise healthy uterus unless it is abnormal or diseased.”




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