Millennium Research Group data shows UFE accounts for nearly 50% of all embolic particle procedures in Q3 2007

December 10, 2007—Waltham, Massachusetts—Millennium Research Group’s US Interventional Radiology Marketrack results indicate that uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) accounted for nearly 50% of all embolic particle procedures in Q1 to Q3 2007. Given the recent Medicare announcement regarding an increase in UFE procedure reimbursement, this penetration will rise as improved coverage drives procedure volumes throughout 2008.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued its Final Rule regarding hospital outpatient reimbursement for UFE, which will increase by 113%—from 2,642 to $5,639 per procedure—beginning January 1, 2008.

“This means that the embolic microsphere and particle market will grow faster than originally expected,” says Philip Scrutton, Analyst at Millennium Research Group. “Market leaders such as BioSphere Medical and Boston Scientific will benefit as their embolic microspheres and particles see increased usage in UFE procedures.”

About Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroids are fibrous tumors in the uterine wall, and, while benign, they can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder and bowels. In UFE, embolics (typically microsphere particles) are injected to block the arteries feeding blood to the fibroids. Without this blood supply the fibroids die and shrink, relieving the pain and discomfort caused by the tumors.

About Interventional Radiology (IR) Marketrack
IR Marketrack gathers quarterly data from interventional radiology labs throughout the US, including data on PV embolizations, atherectomy, and vascular access procedures. Marketrack subscribers receive thousands of data points, including usage (units, average selling price, and revenue), procedure, competitor, and device brand information.