MEA: The Science
Recent thermal ablation technology for the treatment of menorrhagia accomplishes endometrial ablation (EA) with devices that are designed to be simple-to-use and require varying degrees of surgical skill. The purpose of thermal EA procedures is to destroy endometrial tissue down to the basalis but leave the uterine body intact.
Devices have been developed that can apply either heat or cold to destroy the lining of the uterus. The treatment objective is to apply the correct amount of thermal energy for the correct amount of time to safely and effectively destroy the regenerative properties of the endometrium.
The advantages of MEA
MEA, a third generation EA product, has the advantages of the second generation products of speed, simplicity and no requirement for hysteroscopic control but like the first generation products, MEA also engages the doctor with a highly adaptable microwave based treatment that the doctor controls. Low levels of microwave energy are used to vigorously vibrate water molecules in tissue to quickly and effectively heat the lining of the uterus to a physical penetration depth defined by the microwave frequency. The higher the frequency the shallower the depth of heating.
MEA is specifically operated at a frequency of 9.2GHz where it is known that the microwave heating effect is less than 3mm. Beyond this region, heat will thermally conduct a further 2-3mm creating a total depth of tissue destruction of 5-6mm. The chosen frequency for MEA gives an optimum heating depth to ensure effective treatment to the basal layer.
Microwaves are emitted from the distal end of the MEA applicator (the applicator tip), giving controlled heating local to the tissue adjacent to this part of the applicator. Treatment of the entire uterine cavity is achieved by sweeping the applicator tip across the endometrial lining of the uterus.
The MEA treatment is fully adaptable to the size, shape and condition of the uterine cavity. MEA engages the doctor who ultimately controls the distribution of thermal energy throughout the uterine cavity to achieve a complete ablation.
Microsulis provides training for the doctor in the ease of use and control of the system, so that patient safety and clinical effectiveness are optimised.
