F.A.Q
Patient Forms
Referral Forms
Testimonials
Metropolitan Vascular Institute is a state of the art facility in the Washington DC area that serves patients from both locally and overseas. We provide treatments for many conditions including Men’s and Women’s Health, Vascular Disease, Kidney Failure, and Oncology. We provide a relaxed outpatient environment with modern comforts to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Our unique practice has multi-specialty experts, including Vascular, Interventional, and Nephrology. This allows us the advantage to see and treat the complete array of health issues and provide more comprehensive care with one team. Our team goes beyond health experts and covers the whole process of receiving your excellent care.
F.A.Q.
UFE
How long has embolization been performed and is UFE new?
An estimated 13,000-14,000 Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedures are performed annually in the U.S. (as of 2004)Embolization of the uterine arteries is not new. It has been used successfully by interventional radiologists for more than 20 years to treat heavy bleeding after childbirth. Embolization has been used to treat tumors since 1966. Embolization to treat uterine fibroids has been performed since 1995 and the embolic particles are approved by the FDA specifically to treat uterine fibroid tumors, based on comparative trials showing similar efficacy with less serious complications compared to hysterectomy and myomectomy (the surgical removal of fibroids).Embolization of fibroids was first used as an adjunct to help decrease blood loss during myomectomy. To the surprise of the initial users of this method, many patients had spontaneous resolution of their symptoms after only the embolization and no longer needed the surgery.
Does UFE work for all of my fibroids?
The procedure is effective for multiple fibroids and large fibroids.
Are the beads used safely to treat fibroids?
Many women wonder about the safety of leaving particles in the body. The embolic particles most commonly used in UFE have been available with FDA approval for use in people for more than 20 years. During that time, they have been used in thousands of patients without long-term complications.
MVI also has access to bioresorbable beads that could be used if the patient desires
Is UFE safe?
UFE is a very safe method and, like other minimally invasive procedures has significant advantages over conventional open surgery. The recovery is much shorter than surgery, including robotic techniques
Is there an effect on fertility after UFE?
There have been numerous reports of pregnancies following uterine fibroid embolization, however, prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of UFE on the ability of a woman to have children. One study comparing the fertility of women who had UFE with those who had myomectomy showed similar numbers of successful pregnancies.
Do I need a doctor's order or referral?
Depends on the insurance. Please call us and we can let you know.
How long is the recovery time?
On average recovery time, 7 days compared with weeks from surgery.
PAD
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a disorder that affects the arteries outside of the heart and brain. According to the American Heart Association, controllable risk factors for PAD include cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
At MVI, we generally access the radial artery (in the wrist) so that the procedure and recovery are more comfortable. This approach allows the patient to drive sooner and have less physical restrictions after the procedure than the traditional leg artery (femoral) approach.
Dialysis/ESRD
Examine your access daily to ensure there is a thrill and keep the site clean. Wash skin daily with soap and water. Avoid sleeping on your access arm, carrying heavy objects and checking blood pressure on your access arm.
Keep the site clean and dry. Dressing changes will be done at the dialysis center. Plan on transitioning to a fistula or a graft as soon as possible.
PAE
PAE, which can be performed under light anesthesia, involves a treatment called embolization, which entails temporarily blocking blood flow to the arteries that supply the prostate.
Insurance
We take most insurance plans and our finance department will review your insurance for coverage. Coverage can vary based on the indication for your procedure. For those who do not have insurance, come from overseas, or are not covered, we offer a reasonable low-cost payment option.
We have experts in-house for billing and pre-authorization. You will be connected with them to help streamline your care. They can provide you with detailed explanations of your health insurance and what you can expect.
Some insurance companies do cover treatment. Our in-office insurance coordinator will verify your insurance coverage, on your behalf, prior to your treatment.
Most major insurance carriers cover UFE. Our financial coordinator will perform your pre-authorization and help you through the process.
Others
Same or next day appointments are available.
No. We will give you sedation to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your procedure. Please be sure not to eat or drink anything on the day of your procedure so that we can administer sedation.
Depending on the type of procedure, patients generally recover within 30 minutes-2 hours and are able to be discharged.
Our administrative team handles the scheduling of the procedures and any follow-up care that is needed. They will work with your schedule and our physician’s availability to provide a convenient time. They can always be reached at our office, where we do not have any automated system and you will speak with a live person: 703-763-5224
Patient Forms
We are dedicated to providing you the best healthcare experience possible. For added convenience and to save you time at your next appointment, we ask that you please download and complete our patient forms shown below and bring them with you to the appointment or email them to info@teamviv.com.
Referral Forms
Testimonials
"The doctor’s office is never a pleasant place to visit because you normally are not feeling well. However, Dr. Washer and his team are the best; my experience has always been pleasant and prompt."
"Everyone here is wonderful and they all have been so good to my mother, and now she feels like a new woman….. Thank you"
"I couldn’t be happier with the service and personal attention I received there and would highly recommend them to my friends and family."
"73 year old male. Research showed PAE procedure most likely to get best results, One year later, totally satisfied. Great results. Great patient care from the start and great follow up."
"Very helpful and clean location, excellent courtesy from everybody, excellent service and great help."
