Detroit, MI - A clinical research study is under way through 2010 by obstetrician and gynecologist, Jay Berman, MD, Wayne State University Physician Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in effort to identify an alternative treatment for uterine fibroids rather than a hysterectomy. Dr. Berman is the only surgeon in Michigan who performs this technique and was chosen for his expertise during laparoscopic procedures.

This clinical research study, evaluation of the Halt System in Laparoscopic Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids with Radiofrequency Ablation, aims to preserve the uterus rather than remove it through a traditional hysterectomy. This procedure is an alternative to a myomectomy as well as a traditional hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in the United States.

It is estimated that as many as 70 percent of women develop uterine fibroids at some point throughout their lives. Most women do not experience symptoms and will never be aware that they have or had a fibroid. However, about one-third of women, predominantly African American, experience pain in the lower abdomen, back and pelvis, heavy bleeding during menstrual periods and severe bloating. Some fibroids can grow to be the size of a basketball in or outside the uterus.

The Halt study, sponsored by Halt Medical, will seek to enroll up to 30 local women and 150 women nationally who are premenopausal and 25 years of age or older, have a history of menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) and have completed child bearing. To date, very little information is known about what causes fibroids, and this procedure is an alternative to more invasive surgery. Eligible participants will undergo an outpatient laparoscopic procedure using an investigational device called the Halt Fibroid System. This system is designed specifically for uterine fibroids and consists of a radiofrequency (RF) generator and a RF probe with deployable needle electrodes. An intra-abdominal ultrasound is then used to locate and visualize the fibroids. Participants return home the same day and are usually able to work within a week.

Screening for this study is being performed at Wayne State University Physician Group, 26400 West Twelve Mile Road, Suite 140, Southfield, MI 48034. For more information about the study or to participate, please contact Julie McQueeney, research coordinator, at (248) 263-3571.