The Medical Expertise Behind Uterine Fibroid Embolization and Prostate Artery Embolization

When a person is diagnosed with uterine fibroids or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How do I choose the right specialist?

For minimally invasive procedures such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and prostate artery embolization (PAE), technology is important, but the physician’s experience can make a significant difference in treatment planning, procedure execution, and follow-up care.

These procedures are performed by specialists in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, a medical subspecialty focused on treating diseases through catheters and advanced imaging, often avoiding open surgery when a safe, evidence-based minimally invasive alternative is appropriate.

In this article, you will learn what an interventional radiologist does, why this medical training is highly specialized, and about the professional background of Dr. José Juan Galaviz, physician at Emboclinic and a specialist with extensive experience in embolization procedures in Mexico.

What Is a Vascular and Interventional Radiologist?

Many people have never heard of this specialty until they begin looking for treatment options for uterine fibroids or an enlarged prostate.

Vascular and Interventional Radiology is a medical subspecialty that uses imaging technologies such as fluoroscopy, angiography, and ultrasound to access the vascular system through a small catheter, generally introduced through an artery in the wrist or groin.

Instead of making large surgical incisions, the specialist carefully navigates through the vascular system to reach the arteries supplying the targeted tissue, whether a uterine fibroid or an enlarged prostate. Small embolic particles are then delivered to reduce blood flow to the targeted tissue, allowing it to shrink progressively.

These procedures require extensive knowledge of:

• Vascular anatomy.
• Advanced medical imaging.
• Endovascular techniques.
• Anatomical variations.
• Embolization materials.
• Prevention and management of potential complications.

For this reason, physician experience is important not only during the procedure but also when determining whether a patient is an appropriate candidate.

Why Is Physician Experience So Important?

Although embolization is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence and is included among treatment options for appropriately selected patients, every case is different.

Blood vessels can vary considerably from one patient to another, particularly in patients with multiple fibroids, large fibroids, or highly vascularized prostates.

The specialist must be able to accurately determine:

• Which arteries should be embolized.
• Which vascular branches should be preserved.
• Which embolic material is appropriate.
• How to adapt the technique to the patient’s anatomy.
• How to respond to anatomical challenges during the procedure.

This level of expertise develops through specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

The Medical Training of Dr. José Juan Galaviz

Dr. José Juan Galaviz Oropeza began his medical education at the University of Guadalajara, where he earned his degree as a Physician and Surgeon.

He subsequently completed his specialization in Radiology and Imaging at the Centro Médico del Noreste of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Monterrey, one of Mexico’s important medical training centers.

His interest in minimally invasive medicine led him to pursue additional training in highly specialized areas.

Among the most relevant components of his training are:

• A diploma program in Cerebral Angiography at Hospital Regional de Especialidades No. 110 of IMSS.
• Specialized training in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, United States, an internationally recognized institution in endovascular medicine.

International training provides physicians with exposure to advanced techniques, medical devices, and treatment protocols used at leading medical centers around the world.

Certification and Continuous Medical Education

In medicine, completing a specialty is only the beginning. Techniques, devices, and scientific evidence continue to evolve, making ongoing education an essential part of maintaining high-quality medical practice.

Dr. José Juan Galaviz has certification from the Mexican Council of Radiology and Imaging to practice in the field of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and has continued his professional education in this specialty.

He has also been associated with national and international medical organizations related to radiology, including:

• Inter-American College of Radiology.
• College of Radiology and Imaging of Jalisco.
• Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Participation in professional medical organizations provides opportunities for scientific exchange and continued education as new research, techniques, and technologies emerge.

More Than Two Decades Dedicated to Interventional Radiology

Academic training is only one part of choosing a specialist. Clinical experience is another important consideration, particularly for technically complex minimally invasive procedures.

Throughout his professional career, Dr. José Juan Galaviz has worked at several hospitals in Guadalajara, including:

• Hospital General de Zapopan.
• Hospital México Americano.
• Hospital Ángeles del Carmen.
• Hospital Puerta de Hierro.

Since 2008, he has practiced at Emboclinic, performing embolization procedures as part of his practice focused on vascular and interventional radiology.

A Procedure Supported by Scientific Evidence

One of the reasons embolization has gained international recognition is the growing body of scientific evidence supporting its use in appropriately selected patients.

Clinical research has demonstrated that embolization can improve symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and benign prostatic hyperplasia in many patients.

Today, embolization is considered among the therapeutic options included in various international clinical guidelines and recommendations when patients meet the appropriate criteria.

However, no treatment is suitable for everyone.

For this reason, an individualized medical consultation remains one of the most important steps before deciding on any treatment.

During an evaluation, the specialist can review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, imaging studies, and treatment goals to determine whether embolization is an appropriate option.

Why Do Many International Patients Choose a Virtual Consultation First?

For patients who live outside Mexico, traveling before knowing whether they are actually candidates for embolization can involve unnecessary time and expenses.

For this reason, Emboclinic offers the possibility of beginning the evaluation through a virtual consultation, allowing the specialist to review relevant medical information and imaging studies such as MRI, ultrasound, or CT scans, depending on the case.

This initial evaluation can help determine whether embolization may be appropriate before the patient makes travel arrangements.

A virtual consultation can also provide an opportunity to:

• Review previous imaging studies.
• Discuss symptoms and medical history.
• Understand how the procedure works.
• Ask questions about the treatment.
• Learn about the evaluation process.
• Determine whether an in-person assessment is recommended.

If you live in the United States, Canada, Latin America, or another country and would like to know whether you may be a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization or prostate artery embolization, a virtual consultation can be a convenient first step toward making an informed decision.

Choosing Experience Is Also Part of the Treatment

When people search for a minimally invasive treatment, they often focus primarily on the procedure itself. However, another important consideration is who performs it.

The combination of specialized medical training, international experience, professional certification, continuous education, and extensive clinical practice can provide patients with greater confidence when considering technically complex procedures.

Dr. José Juan Galaviz has dedicated a significant part of his professional career to vascular and interventional radiology and embolization procedures, building a career based on specialized medical training, hospital experience, and continued professional education.

If you would like to learn whether embolization could be an option for your condition, Emboclinic offers virtual consultations so that a specialist can review your medical information and imaging studies and explain the treatment options available for your individual case.

Schedule your consultation and take the first step toward learning whether embolization may be right for you.