Latest Review Date: September 2024

Category:  Surgery/Radiology                                  

POLICY:

Transcatheter embolization of uterine arteries as a treatment of uterine fibroids may be considered medically necessary when:

• Asymptomatic fibroids of such size that they are palpable abdominally and are a concern to the patient; OR
• Excessive uterine bleeding as evidenced by either profuse bleeding lasting more than eight days, or anemia due to acute or chronic blood loss; OR
• Pelvic discomfort caused by myomata, either acute severe pain, chronic lower abdominal pain, or low back pressure or bladder pressure with urinary frequency not due to urinary tract infection.

Transcatheter embolization of uterine arteries as a treatment of postpartum uterine hemorrhage may be considered medically necessary.

One repeat transcatheter embolization of uterine arteries to treat uterine fibroids after an initial uterine artery embolization may be considered medically necessary when there is documentation of continued symptoms such as bleeding or pain and there are persistent symptoms in combination with findings on imaging of an incomplete initial procedure, as evidenced by continued blood flow to the previously treated regions. 

Transcatheter embolization is considered investigational for the management of all other indications, including cervical ectopic pregnancy, uterine arteriovenous malformation and adenomyosis.

Laparoscopic occlusion of the uterine arteries using bipolar coagulation or vascular clips is considered investigational.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE OR SERVICE:

Transcatheter uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive technique that involves the injection of small particles, gel foam, coils or glue into the uterine arteries to block the blood supply to the uterus and uterine fibroids. It potentially serves as an alternative to hysterectomy. UAE has also been used to treat other conditions including postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), cervical ectopic pregnancy, bleeding uterine arteriovenous malformation and adenomyosis.

Uterine Artery Embolization

There is interest in techniques that directly devascularize the uterine fibroid by interrupting the uterine arteries. One technique, uterine artery embolization, involves selective catheterization of the uterine arteries with an injection of embolization material. Uterine artery embolization has also been used to control bleeding in situations such as severe postpartum hemorrhage, cervical ectopic pregnancy, bleeding uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and adenomyosis.

Laparoscopic Occlusion

Laparoscopic occlusion of uterine arteries is a procedure that uses vascular clips or bipolar coagulation to cut off the blood supply to fibroids. The lack of blood flow causes the fibroids to shrink.

KEY POINTS:

The most recent literature update was performed through September 4, 2024.

Summary of Evidence

For individuals who have uterine fibroids who receive transcatheter UAE, the evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. The majority of studies have compared UAE with hysterectomy and myomectomy and found similar levels of symptoms and quality of life across all treatment groups. Benefits for women undergoing UAE included avoiding surgery and maintaining their uteruses, lower complication rates, and lower blood transfusion rates. However, patients undergoing UAE had higher reintervention rates compared with patients who had surgery. Smaller trials have compared UAE with laparoscopic occlusion and magnetic resonance image-guided focused ultrasound surgery. Additional trials with larger sample sizes comparing UAE with these and other uterus-preserving procedures are needed. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in a meaningful improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have persistent uterine fibroids despite uterine artery embolization treatment who receive repeat transcatheter UAE, the evidence includes case series. Relevant outcomes are symptoms, quality of life, and treatment-related morbidity. Case series have shown that a high degree of symptom relief is possible after a repeat UAE for uterine fibroids. Moreover, there is evidence from RCTs on the safety and efficacy of UAE for initial treatment of uterine fibroids may indicate a benefit for patients in need of repeat procedures for the same indication. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in a meaningful improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have postpartum uterine hemorrhage who receive transcatheter UAE, the evidence includes RCTs, case series and a systematic reviews. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, symptoms, and treatment-related morbidity. The systematic review of multiple RCTs and comparative observational studies of 1142 women found similar hemostatic effective rates for UAE and hysterectomy and found several benefits of UAE including reduced blood loss, operating time, and length of stay. The systematic review of case series assessing over 1400 women reported success rates of bleeding cessation that ranged from 58% to 98%. The evidence is sufficient to determine qualitatively that the technology results in a meaningful improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have cervical ectopic pregnancy who receive transcatheter UAE, the evidence includes case series. Relevant outcomes are treatment-related morbidity. Only a few case series with a small number of patients have been published. Additional studies, especially controlled studies comparing UAE to medication or surgery, are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of UAE in patients with cervical ectopic pregnancy. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes.

For individuals who have uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) who receive transcatheter UAE, the evidence includes case reports, case series, and a systematic review. Relevant outcomes are symptoms and treatment-related morbidity. Only case reports and case series with a small number of patients have been published. A systematic review identified 54 women in 40 studies with uterine AVM treated with UAE. Additional controlled studies comparing UAE hysterectomy are needed to conclude the safety and efficacy of UAE in patients with uterine arteriovenous malformation. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes.

For individuals who have adenomyosis who receive transcatheter UAE, the evidence includes case series and a systematic review. Relevant outcomes are symptoms and treatment-related morbidity. A systematic review of case series data found short-term improvement in 83% of patients and long-term improvement in 65% of patients, suggesting possible recurrence of symptoms over time. All studies were case series and may have been subject to selection and/or observational biases. Additional case series published after the review have reported that patients with greater necrosis of adenomyosis and patients with higher vascularity of lesions may experience higher response rates to UAE. Controlled studies comparing UAE to medication or surgery and studies reporting long-term symptom recurrence rates are needed. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes.

For individuals who have uterine fibroids and have laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion, the evidence consists of meta-analysis and nonrandomized controlled trials. Relevant outcomes are patient satisfaction, re-intervention rates, and complication rates. The evidence has shown that LUAO patient satisfaction scores are lower compared to UAE and that this procedure is less effective than UAE and myomectomy. Long-term, well designed randomized studies are needed to properly evaluate this procedure for patient satisfaction, effects on fertility and future pregnancies. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes.

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

In 2021, ACOG issued Practice Bulletin #228 – Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas.  They state the following:

• Uterine artery embolization is recommended as an interventional procedure for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas in patients who desire uterine preservation and are counseled about the limited available data on reproductive outcomes. (Level A)

In 2013, and reaffirmed in 2024, ACOG issued a committee opinion (No. 557) on the management of acute abnormal uterine bleeding in non-pregnant reproductive aged women. The committee listed UAE among the surgical options for acute abnormal uterine bleeding and stated that the need for surgical treatment, including UAE, is based on the clinical stability of the patient, the severity of bleeding, contraindications to medical management, the patient’s lack of response to medical management, and the underlying medical condition of the patient.

In 2017, the ACOG published a practice bulletin (No. 183) on postpartum hemorrhage. UAE was recommended when less invasive techniques (uterotonic agents, uterine massage, uterine compression, manual removal of clots) failed. Studies have shown that the median success rate is 89% (range, 58%- 98%).

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations

Not applicable

KEY WORDS:

Uterine artery embolization, fibroids, leiomyomata, UAE, TruFill PVA particles, Embosphere Microspheres, Contour Emboli PVA, Conture SE™, Cook Incorporated polyvinyl alcohol foam embolization particles, laparoscopic occlusion of the uterine arteries using bipolar coagulation, bipolar coagulation occlusion of uterine arteries, laparoscopic occlusion of uterine arteries, adenomyosis, Bead Block, Hydropearl

APPROVED BY GOVERNING BODIES:

In April 2000, Embosphere® Microspheres (Merit Medical, formerly BioSphere Medical) was cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the 510(k) process for hypervascularized tumors and AVMs. In 2002, this product was cleared for marketing specifically for use in uterine fibroid embolization. Since then, several other devices have been cleared for marketing and a sampling of those are listed herein. In 2003, Contour® Emboli PVA (Boston Scientific) was cleared for marketing by the FDA through the 510(k) process for the embolization of peripheral hypervascular tumors and peripheral AVMs. In March 2004, the Contour SE™ (Boston Scientific) was cleared for marketing by the FDA through the 510(k) process for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In 2008, Polyvinyl Alcohol Foam Embolization Particles (Cook Inc.) was cleared for marketing by the FDA through the 510(k) process for use in uterine fibroid embolization. In 2016, Bead Block™ microspheres (Biocompatibles UK) were cleared for marketing by FDA for embolization of uterine fibroids and AVMs. In 2020, Hydropearl® Microspheres (MicroVention, Inc.) was cleared for marketing by FDA for the embolization of arteriovenous malformations and hypervascular tumors, including uterine fibroids.

BENEFIT APPLICATION:

Coverage is subject to member’s specific benefits.  Group-specific policy will supersede this policy when applicable.

ITS Home:  No special benefit rules apply.

FEP contracts: Special benefit consideration may apply.  Refer to member’s benefit plan. 

CURRENT CODING: 

CPT code:

REFERENCES:

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33. Hu J, Tao X, Yin L, et al. Successful conservative treatment of cervical pregnancy with uterine artery embolization followed by curettage: a report of 19 cases. BJOG. Sep 2016; 123 Suppl 3:97-102.
34. Hutchins Jr. Francis L and Worthington-Kirsch Robert. Embolotherapy for myoma-induced menorrhagia. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, June 2000, Vol. 27, No. 2.
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36. Jun F, Yamin L, Xinli X et al. Uterine artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a randomized controlled trial and a meta-analysis of the literature. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 285(5):1407-1413.
37. Kim TH, Lee HH, Kim JM et al. Uterine artery embolization for primary postpartum hemorrhage. Iran J Reprod Med 2013; 11(6):511-518.
38. Kim T, Shin JH, Kim J et al. Management of bleeding uterine arteriovenous malformation with bilateral uterine artery embolization. Yonsei Med J 2014; 55(2):367-373.
39. Kirby JM, Kachura JR, Rajan DK et al. Arterial embolization for primary postpartum hemorrhage. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2009; 20(8):1036-1045.
40. Knuttinen MG, Stark G, Hohenwalter EJ, et al. ACR Appropriateness Criteria (R) Radiologic Management of Uterine Leiomyomas. J Am Coll Radiol. May 2018; 15(5S): S160-S170.
41. Kroncke T. An update on uterine artery embolization for uterine leiomyomata and adenomyosis of the uterus. B J Radiol. 2023 Feb; 96(1143): 20220121.
42. Kwon JH, Kim GM, Han K, et al. Safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization in ectopic pregnancies refractory to systemic methotrexate treatment: a single-center study. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. May 01 2017;40(9):1351-1357.
43. Lee HJ, Cho HY, Peck MJ, et al. Uterine artery embolization versus cesarean hysterectomy in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol. Dec 2019; 28(6): 351-358.
44. Lipman John C, et al.  Uterine fibroid embolization: Follow-up. Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, March 2002, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 44-55.
45. Liu Z, Wang Y, Yan J, et al. Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of refractory postpartum hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. Feb 2020; 33(4): 693-705.
46. Manyonda IT, Bratby M, Horst JS et al. Uterine artery embolization versus myomectomy: Impact on quality of life-results from the FUME (Fibroids of the Uterus: Myomectomy versus Embolization) trial. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2012; 35(3):530-536.
47. Mara M, Kubinova K, Maskova J, et al. Uterine artery embolization versus laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion: the outcomes of a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2012 Oct; 35(5):1041-1052.
48. Mara M, Maskova J, Fucikova Z et al. Midterm clinical and first reproductive results of a randomized controlled trial comparing uterine fibroid embolization and myomectomy. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2008; 31(1):73-85.
49. Martin J, Bhanot K, Athreya S. Complications and re-interventions in uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a literature review and meta-analysis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2013: 36(2); 395-402.
50. McLucas B and Adler L. Uterine fibroid embolization compared with myomectomy. Inter J Gynecol Obstet 2001; 74(3): 297-299.
51. McLucas B, Reed RA. Repeat uterine artery embolization following poor results. Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol 2009; 18(2):82-86.
52. Mohan PP, Hamblin MH, Vogelzang RL. Uterine Artery Embolization and Its Effect on Fertility. J Vasc Interv Radiol. Jul 2013; 24(7):925-930.
53. Moss JG, Cooper CG, Khaund A et al. Randomized comparison of uterine artery embolization (UAE) with surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (REST trial): 5-years results. BJOG 2011; 118(8):936-944.
54. Panagiotopoulou N, Nethra S, Karavolos S et al. uterine-sparing minimally invasive interventions in women with uterine fibroids: a systematic review and indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2014 Sep; 93(9):858-867.
55. Pelage Jean-Pierre. Fibroid-related menorrhagia: Treatment with superselective embolization of the uterine arteries and midterm follow-up. Radiology 2000; 215:428-431.
56. Popovic M, Berzaczy D, Puchner S et al. Long-term quality of life assessment among patients undergoing uterine fibroid embolization. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2009; 193(1):267-271.
57. Popovic M, Puchner S, Berzaczy D, et al. Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of adenomyosis: a review. J Vasc Interv Radiol. Jul 2011; 22(7):901-909; quiz 909.
58. Rath W, Hackethal A, Bohlmann MK. Second-line treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PHH). Arch Bynecol Obstet 2012; 286(3):549-561.
59. The REST Investigators. Uterine-artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. NEJM, January 25, 2007; 356: 360-370.
60. Ruuskanen A, Hippelainen M, Sipola P et al. Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy for leiomyomas: primary and two-year follow-up results of a randomized prospective clinical trial. Eur Radiol 2010; 20(10):2524-2532.
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POLICY HISTORY:

Medical Review Committee, December 1999

Medical Policy Group, September 24, 2001

Medical Review Committee, July 2002

Medical Policy Group, August 2002

Medical Policy Administration Committee, September 2002

Available for comment September 18-November 1, 2002

Medical Policy Group, July 2006 (1)

Medical Policy Group, February 2007 (3)

Medical Policy Group, February 2009 (1)

Medical Policy Panel, February 2011

Medical Policy Group, June 2011 (2): Title, Policy, Key Points, Key Words, References updated

Medical Policy Administration Committee, July 2011

Available for comment July 6 through August 22, 2011

Medical Policy Group, September 2011 (2): Policy and reference updated

Medical Policy Administration Committee, September 2011

Available for comment September 22 through November 7, 2011

Medical Policy Panel, July 2012

Medical Policy Group, July 2012 (2): Policy statement updated to cover UAE as treatment of postpartum uterine hemorrhage, one repeat UAE for uterine fibroids, and to not cover UAE for management of cervical ectopic pregnancy.  Key Points, References, Key Words, Approved by Governing Bodies, References updated to support policy changes. 

Medial Policy Administration Committee, July 2012

Available for comment July 26 through September 4, 2012

Medical Policy Panel, July 2013

Medical Policy Group, July 2013 (2): 2013 Update to Key Points and References; no change in policy statement

Medical Policy Group, December 2013 (3) 2014 Coding Update – added new codes 37242, 37243, and 37244 to current coding (effective 01/01/2014); moved code 37210 to previous coding (deleted effective 01/01/2014)

Medical Policy Panel, July 2014

Medical Policy Group, July 2014 (1): Update to Descriptions, Key Points and References; no change to policy statement.

Medical Policy Group, July 2014

Medical Policy Panel, July 2014 (4): Updates to Key Points, Approved Governing Bodies and References.  Removed code 37242 from current coding and entered under previous coding. No change to policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2016

Medical Policy Group, September 2016 (4): Updates to Description, Key Points, Key Words, and References. Policy statement updated- adenomyosis added as investigational.  Also added policy statement: laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion is investigational. Removed policy statement sections for “Effective for dates of service on or after November 7, 2011 and prior to September 4, 2012”, “Effective for dates of service on or after August 23, 2011 and prior to November 7, 2011”, and “Effective for dates of service July 24, 2002 through August 22, 2011”.

Medical Policy Administrative Committee, September 2016

Available for Comment September 21 through November 5, 2016

Medical Policy Panel, August 2017

Medical Policy Group, September 2017 (4): Updates to Description, Key Points, and References. “Vascular clips” was added to the policy statement regarding LUAO.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2018

Medical Policy Group, August 2018 (4): Updates to Description, Key Points, Approved by Governing Bodies and References. Deleted Previous Coding Section- CPT 37210 and 37242 deleted effective 01/01/2014. No change in Policy Statement.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2019

Medical Policy Group, September 2019 (4): Updates to Description and Key Points. No change to policy statements.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2020

Medical Policy Group, August 2020 (4): Updates to Description, removed old Policy section, Key Points, Governing Bodies, Key Words (Bead Block, Hydropearl) and References.

Medical Policy Group, September 2020(4): Policy retired effective 9/21/2020.  No longer scheduled for regular literature reviews and updates.

Medical Policy Group. August 2021 (4): Updates to Key Points and References.  Policy statement updated to remove “not medically necessary,” no change to policy intent.

Medical Policy Group, August 2022 (4): Reviewed by consensus. No new published peer-reviewed literature available that would alter the coverage statement. References removed.

Medical Policy Group, August 2023 (4): Reviewed by consensus.  Updates to Description, Key Points, and Benefit Application, and References.

Medical Policy Group, August 2024 (4): Reviewed by consensus.  Updates to Key Points and References.  No change to policy statements.

This medical policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All medical policies are based on (i) research of current medical literature and (ii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

This policy is intended to be used for adjudication of claims (including pre-admission certification, pre-determinations, and pre-procedure review) in Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s administration of plan contracts.

The plan does not approve or deny procedures, services, testing, or equipment for our members. Our decisions concern coverage only. The decision of whether or not to have a certain test, treatment or procedure is one made between the physician and his/her patient. The plan administers benefits based on the member’s contract and corporate medical policies. Physicians should always exercise their best medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients. Needed care should not be delayed or refused because of a coverage determination.

As a general rule, benefits are payable under health plans only in cases of medical necessity and only if services or supplies are not investigational, provided the customer group contracts have such coverage.

The following Association Technology Evaluation Criteria must be met for a service/supply to be considered for coverage:

1. The technology must have final approval from the appropriate government regulatory bodies;

2. The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes;

3. The technology must improve the net health outcome;

4. The technology must be as beneficial as any established alternatives;

5. The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational setting.

Medical Necessity means that health care services (e.g., procedures, treatments, supplies, devices, equipment, facilities or drugs) that a physician, exercising prudent clinical judgment, would provide to a patient for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating an illness, injury or disease or its symptoms, and that are:

1. In accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice; and

2. Clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration and considered effective for the patient’s illness, injury or disease; and

3. Not primarily for the convenience of the patient, physician or other health care provider; and

4. Not more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of that patient’s illness, injury or disease.