About Thermablate > For Medical Professionals > Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can any patient suffering from menorrhagia be treated with Thermablate EAS?

A:  No.  Like all other ablation devices, patients should be assessed to determine suitability for a global ablation procedure.  Key assessments include:

•  Normal Papanicolaou smear in accordance with clinical practice guidelines
• Normal endometrial biopsy (within past 6 months)
• Normal size and shape intrauterine cavity (as determined by hysteroscopy or ultrasound)
• Fertility is not required
• No previous ablation procedure

 

 Q:  What size uterus can be treated?

A:  A uterus with a sounding length of 8cm – 12cm (external os to fundus) may be treated by Thermablate EAS.

 

Q:  Is pre-treatment of the endometrium required?

A:  It is recommended that patients take oral contraceptives for 3 weeks up to the date of treatment.

 

Q:  What safety measures are advised when performing an ablation with Thermablate?

A:  It is recommended that physicians perform a hysteroscopy prior to the treatment to check for possible uterine perforations done during dilation, sounding, or curettage (if performed), or to use ultrasonic surveillance during the treatment to check for correct balloon position inside the uterus cavity.

 

Q:  Is a General Anesthetic required?

A:  Many Thermablate procedures have been done using local anesthesia only.  Compared to other ablation devices, patients have reported less intra and post operative pain with Thermablate. 

 

Q:  Can the procedure by stopped once it has started, and if so, how?

A:  Treatment with Thermablate may be terminated by turning the power switch off, then on again.  This will terminate the procedure and withdraw the glycerine from the balloon.

 

 

Q:  What type of symptoms can occur after endometrial ablation is complete, and how long will they last?

A:  Following an ablation, the patient may experience pain and cramping which typically lasts for less than 12 hours.  A serosanguinous discharge usually begins a few days post procedure, typically continuing for 1 – 2 weeks.  Occasionally tissue fragments are sloughed off and may be noticed in the discharge. 

 

Q:  What kind of maintenance is required on the Treatment Control Unit?

A:  Routine maintenance is NOT required on the Treatment Control Unit.

 

Q:  How should the Treatment Control Unit be cleaned?

A:  Following the procedure, the control unit should be wiped down with a cloth that has been impregnated with a hospital grade disinfectant.  As the unit contains electronic components, always avoid soaking or the use of excess free liquid. 

 

REPEAT BALLOON ABLATIONS CONTRAINDICATED

 

Since the endometrial cavity, following any kind of endometrial ablation, is distorted, repeat ablations should not be attempted with Thermablate. Patients requiring further treatment after thermal balloon ablation should be treated medically, by hysteroscopic endometrial resection or hysterectomy.  Hysteroscopic resection should be attempted only by experienced hysteroscopists since the complications can be severe.