title: Global endometrial ablation.
abstract: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a significant health problem for many women. Surgical treatment of AUB often follows failed attempts with first-line medical therapy. Hysterectomy, while being a definitive treatment, is a major surgical procedure with potential for significant complications and economic costs. Endometrial ablation was developed as an alternative to hysterectomy. The first-generation endometrial ablation devices required extensive training and experience to be performed effectively and safely. As a result, newer ablative devices were developed addressing the need for less technical knowledge and improved safety. Since 1997, the United States FDA has approved 5 global endometrial ablation devices for treatment of AUB attributable to benign causes. This review will focus on the technical aspects of these second- generation devices and their applications for treatment of AUB.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Biscette
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shepherd
authors.forename: Resad P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Pasic
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055356:Endometrial Ablation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery*