Fibroid Research and Clinical Trials

We are continually enrolling patients in new research studies for the treatment of fibroids. To determine if you qualify to participate in a fibroid study, call 412-641-4435.

What's the New Technique for Fibroids?

Sonata™ clinical study

If you struggle with heavy periods, you may be one of the millions who have uterine fibroids — a common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. Nearly three out of four women will have uterine fibroids before the age of 50.

Many women whose fibroids cause heavy bleeding and long, uncomfortable periods are told the only option is to wait until they’re done having children to have a hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a highly invasive surgical procedure where the uterus is removed entirely, either through the abdomen or through the vagina.

And while hysterectomy is a permanent solution, most women would prefer to have an option that preserves their uterus.

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is conducting a research study of an investigational device that targets fibroids and preserves the uterus through an incision-free, outpatient procedure. If you've been struggling with heavy periods and are finished having children, this study may be right for you.

If you are eligible to participate, you can be treated by a local women's health specialist and will receive all study-related care at no cost.

What is the Sonata™ treatment?

The Sonata treatment uses a small ultrasound-guided tip that the surgeon inserts into the uterus and controls with a special handpiece. The tip enables the surgeon to see and destroy uterine fibroids in an incisionless procedure. A tiny probe delivers radiofrequency energy precisely to the fibroid in a procedure called “ablation.” Over time, the treated fibroids shrink, and symptoms resolve over time.  

Because the fibroids are treated from inside the uterus, the Sonata treatment requires no incisions. No tissue is cut or surgically removed, and the uterus is preserved.

Fibroids of any type and size can be treated with the system, and multiple fibroids can be treated during a single procedure, which usually takes up to an hour depending on the number and location of the fibroids.  

Most women return to work and activities within a day or two. Most patients see improvement in heavy menstrual bleeding within three months. After one year, 95% of patients reported improved symptoms.

What are the common treatments for fibroids?

For women whose fibroids cause heavy periods, surgical options have traditionally been:

• Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation, in which thermal energy is used to shrink fibroids. This minimally invasive approach involves several small abdominal incisions and usually is done as outpatient surgery. Recovery takes about two weeks.
• Laparoscopic myomectomy and hysteroscopic myomectomy are two procedures that also remove fibroids. Laparoscopic myomectomy requires an incision in the abdomen to reach the fibroids, whereas a hysteroscopic myomectomy accesses the fibroids through the cervix. Both procedures can be done as outpatient surgery. The recovery period for a hysteroscopic myomectomy at about three days. Laparoscopic myomectomy recovery can take up to two weeks.
• Uterine artery embolization (UAE) involves the injection of small particles into the blood vessels around the uterus to block the blood supply. Without blood supply, the fibroids shrink and die over time. Although UAE is effective, it also can be uncomfortable and can increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Is There a Uterine Fibroid Study Near Me?

To find out if you qualify for the Sonata treatment, call 412-641-6681 or visit the Sonata™ Clinical Study website. 

For more information about research studies at UPMC, visit the Pitt+Me Research Participant Registry.