Treatments: UAE: Research: UA Fibroid Registry

Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Research and Education Foundation (CIRREF), the educational arm of the SCVIR, has instituted the Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) Fibroid Registry for Outcomes Data (FIBROID). The purpose of the FIBROID Registry is to generate data to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of UAE for the treatment of fibroids and to assess the procedure's durability, impact on fertility and quality-of-life. The registry brings together scientific and technical resources through the collaborative efforts and support of a professional medical society (the SCVIR), academic research organization [the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI)], the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), industry and consumers. Aside from hysterectomy, no other fibroid therapy has been studied with this level of detail and thoroughness.

Dr. Kirsch is Chairman of the committee, which has developed and implemented the FIBROID Registry. As a member of the Registry Steering Committee, he is actively involved in the continued development and operation of this important research project.

As a core participating site, information about every UAE performed by Dr. Kirsch is entered into the database, along with short-term outcome data. This is totally anonymous for the patients. A proportion of his patients will be randomly chosen for longer-term follow-up. The information gathered will be used to validate the efficacy of UAE, point out areas for further specific research, and ultimately will benefit health care for all women. In all cases, patient confidentiality is protected to the full extent possible. Of course, participation is always voluntary.

Patients can discuss any questions about the Registry with Dr. Kirsch when they see him for consultation.