Holy Cross Health Offers Acessa Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation for Fibroids

The minimally invasive procedure offers an alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy

 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (April 29, 2024) – Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is now offering the Acessa ProVu® system to shrink uterine fibroids.

Every year, approximately 540,000 hysterectomies are performed for non-cancerous conditions, including uterine fibroids.1 The clinically proven Acessa Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation (Lap-RFA) procedure provides qualified patients with a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy and reduces the likelihood of major blood loss during surgery.

The revolutionary procedure is performed by a gynecologist using general anesthesia in an operating room. The physician makes two small incisions, usually less than a quarter inch in length, in the belly button and at the bikini line for the camera and Acessa ultrasound probe to enter the body. The probe is placed directly on the uterus to detect fibroids in the uterus and uterine walls. In clinical studies, the Acessa system’s laparoscopic ultrasound can locate 1.5 to two times more fibroids than an MRI or transvaginal ultrasound.2 This enables fibroids that previously would have gone undetected to be treated.

For each fibroid the doctor wants to treat, electrode rays at the end of the Acessa handpiece are deployed to release heat energy into the fibroid. The heat of the zap destroys cell tissue, changing the fibroid’s consistency from solid like a baseball to soft and mushy like a marshmallow.

“The Acessa ProVu system is transformational for women suffering from fibroids, providing them with more options that fit their needs and lifestyle while restoring their quality of life,” said Tiffannie Walker, M.D., Chief of OB-GYN at Holy Cross Health. “This is another important step in advancing our minimally invasive surgical solutions for the patients we serve.”

The Lap-RFA is typically performed as an out-patient procedure, so most patients are discharged the same day and only need to take Tylenol to alleviate discomfort. Women can usually resume normal activity in three to five days.

As the fibroids continue to shrink over time, patients will feel more and more symptom relief. Fibroids can cause women to experience heavy and long periods, a bulging stomach, pain and pressure in their pelvis, legs or lower back, unexplained exhaustion and frequent urination.

Since completing training on the Acessa procedure in 2023, Holy Cross Health board certified OB-GYNs Dr. Walker and Angelle Brebnor, M.D., FACOG, have treated multiple patients who have had excellent results. This is a new service funded by philanthropy.

To schedule an appointment, call 954-229-6000.

 

Sources:
1. Leroy Edozien, MD. Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Accessed August 4, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC558440/

2. Yelena Havryliuk, MD, Robert Setton, MD, John Carlow, EdD, MPH, Barry D. Shaktman, MD, Management of symptomatic fibroids: review and meta-analysis of the literature (2006 -2016), Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, Vol. 21 (3) Jul-Sept 2017

 

ABOUT HOLY CROSS HEALTH
A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospital rankings and was named among the 2024 America's Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as our community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also encompasses Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, urgent care centers and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit holy-cross.com. Connect @holycrossfl.