Condoleezza Rice Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Condoleezza Rice to Undergo Nonsurgical Interventional Radiology Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

contact: diane shnitzler, emily ochler 703-691-1805

Uterine fibroids are very common noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can range in size from very tiny (a quarter of an inch) to larger than a cantaloupe. Occasionally, they can cause the uterus to grow to the size of a five-month pregnancy. In most cases, there is more than one fibroid in the uterus.

Twenty to 40 percent of women age 35 and older have uterine fibroids of a significant size. African American women are at a higher risk for fibroids: as many as 50 percent have fibroids of a significant size. Uterine fibroids are the most frequent indication for hysterectomy in premenopausal women and, therefore, are a major public health issue. Of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed annually in the United States, one-third are due to fibroids.

Most fibroids don't cause symptoms - only 10 to 20 percent of women who have fibroids require treatment. Depending on size, location and number of fibroids, they may cause heavy bleeding, pain, urinary frequency and constipation.

About the Procedure

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is performed by an interventional radiologist who makes a tiny nick in the skin, less than one-quarter of an inch, in the groin and inserts a catheter into the femoral artery. Using real-time imaging, the physician guides the catheter through the artery and then releases tiny particles, the size of grains of sand, into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroid tumor, causing it to shrink and die, and disruptive symptoms to subside. On average, 90 percent of women who have the procedure experience significant or total relief of heavy bleeding and other symptoms. The FDA approved procedure is effective for multiple fibroids, and offers less risk, less pain and less recovery time than hysterectomy - as well as preserves the uterus.

Supplemental materials available
-- Interview with local interventional radiologist
-- Broadcast quality video footage, includes national expert, patient and
procedure footage
-- Medical illustration of treatment for your Web site
-- Contact: Diane Shnitzler or Emily Oehler at 703-691-1805

Other UFE Facts
-- An estimated 13,000-14,000 UFE procedures are performed annually in the
U.S. (as of 2004).
-- The embolic particles are approved by the FDA specifically for UFE,
based on comparative trials showing similar efficacy with less serious
complications compared to hysterectomy and myomectomy (the surgical
removal of fibroids).
-- UFE is covered by most major insurance companies and is widely
available across the country.
-- Most women with symptomatic fibroids are candidates for UFE and should
obtain a consult with an interventional radiologist to determine
whether UFE is a treatment option for them. An ultrasound or MRI
diagnostic test will help the interventional radiologist to determine
if the woman is a candidate for this treatment.

About Interventional Radiologists

Interventional radiologists are doctors who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments that have less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery. They use their expertise in interpreting X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and other diagnostic imaging studies to understand, visualize and diagnose the full scope of the disease's pathology and to map out the procedure tailored to the individual patient. Then during the procedure, they image as they go to guide tiny instruments, such as catheters, through blood vessels or skin, to treat diseases at the site of the illness nonsurgically.

Interventional radiology is a recognized medical specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians with advanced training minimally invasive targeted treatments using imaging to guide them. Their board certification includes both Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology. The American Board of Radiology certifies their specialized training.

SOURCE Society Of Interventional Radiology
Web Site: http://www.sirweb.org

Innovative Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
According to statistics, between 20 and 30 percent of women over the age of 30 have fibroids. In some women, this condition causes heavy bleeding and painful periods that often requires treatment. The most common treatments are hysterectomy, surgical removal of the entire uterus, or myomectomy, which involves surgically removing only the fibroids. Today, women are exploring a less invasive treatment option called uterine fibroid embolization. Uterine fibroid embolization is performed by Interventional Radiologists and involves less risk, less pain, and shorter recovery time than surgery. Learn more about this innovative procedure in this feature report. source: http://www.uterinefibroids.org/

Clinton Presidential Center Dedication

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 18, 2004

President's Remarks at the Clinton Presidential Center Dedication , full streaming video

bush 43 and clinton more at foxnews.com

Little Rock, Arkansas 12:20 P.M. CST

THE PRESIDENT: President Clinton, Senator Clinton, President Carter and Mrs. Carter, President Bush and Mother -- (laughter )-- Governor and Mrs. Huckabee, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: Laura and I are really pleased to be a part of this happy and historic occasion. On this day of dedication, we honor the man from Hope, Arkansas, who became the 42nd President of the United States. Mr. President, congratulations. (Applause.)

This presidential library chronicles a vivid era in American history, for the benefit of future generations. It will contribute to the vitality of this fine city and to the great state of Arkansas. The collections here record the dedication and hard work of thousands, who brought talent and idealism to public service. And at the center of that era, at the head of that administration, was an able and energetic American. President Bill Clinton led our country with optimism and a great affection for the American people, and that affection has been returned. He gave all to his job, and the nation gave him two terms.

In the early 1990s, the American people saw a young, well-spoken, relatively unknown governor rise to national prominence. Yet for decades here in Arkansas, the signs of destiny were clear. When young William entered a new school in the 4th grade, a classmate recalls, "He didn't mean to, but he just took the place over." (Laughter.) When Governor Clinton declared his candidacy for President in this city, his close friends were not surprised in the least. They'd always known that Bill Clinton's moment in history would come.

Arkansas is a state that knows political skill when you see it. A fellow in Saline County was asked by his son why he liked Governor Clinton so much. He said, son, he'll look you in the eye, he'll shake your hand, he'll hold your baby, he'll pat your dog -- all at the same time. (Laughter.)

Over the years, Bill Clinton showed himself to be much more than a good politician. His home state elected him governor in the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s, because he was an innovator, a serious student of policy, and a man of great compassion. In the White House, the whole nation witnessed his brilliance and mastery of detail, his persuasive power, and his persistence. The President is not the kind to give up a fight. His staffers were known to say, "If Clinton were the Titanic, the iceberg would sink." (Laughter.)

During his presidency, Bill Clinton seized important opportunities on issues from welfare to free trade. He was a tireless champion of peace in the Middle East. He used American power in the Balkans to confront aggression and halt ethnic cleansing. And in all his actions and decisions, the American people sensed a deep empathy for the poor and the powerless. Shortly before leaving office, President Clinton said, "Christ admonished us that our lives will be judged by how we do unto the least of our neighbors." Throughout his career, Bill Clinton has done his best to live up to that standard. And Americans respect him for it.

At every stage of his remarkable life, President Clinton has made and kept countless friends, who share in the joy of this day. And three people in particular have the largest part in this remarkable story. One day more than 30 years ago, inside the Yale Law Library, a fellow student walked over to Bill Clinton and said, "If you're going to keep staring at me, and I'm going to keep staring back, we ought to at least know each other's name. Mine's Hillary Rodham. What is yours?" (Laughter.) That was a good day for both of them, and the beginning of a partnership unique in American history. So today, we honor the former First Lady of Arkansas, the former First Lady of America, the United States Senator from New York, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. (Applause.)

Perhaps the Clintons' greatest achievement is their daughter, who moved into the White House as a young girl, and left as an accomplished young lady. It's not easy to be a teenager in the White House, but it's a lot easier when you have a loving mother and a loving father that Chelsea Clinton had.

This magnificent presidential library, and the American life it celebrates, would not have been possible without the love and sacrifice of a special lady. Among his heroes, President Clinton always includes his mother, Virginia Kelley, "a working woman and a widow." Virginia was there when her son took the oath of office, and we know that she would be incredibly proud of this day.

The story that began in a little house on Hervey Street in Hope, Arkansas is the kind of story that inspires people from every background, all over America. In this great nation, it is always possible for a child to go as far as their talent and vision can take them. Visitors to this place will be reminded of the great promise of our country, and the dreams that came true in the life of our 42nd President. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library is a gift to the future by a man who always believed in the future. And today, we thank him for loving and serving America.

God bless. (Applause.)

END 12:26 P.M. CST

The Clinton Presidential Center