A New Era of Fibroid Care: Henry Ford Health Introduces the Sonata® System

Most women will develop uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, with the noncancerous growths causing symptoms that range from disruptive to debilitating for up to 70% of White women and 80% of Black women.  

Now patients at Henry Ford Health have access to the Sonata System, a minimally invasive incisionless alternative for managing fibroids and their symptoms. 

Marked by heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, fatigue and more, fibroids have traditionally left patients choosing between temporary symptom managing medications or invasive surgeries such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, which require incision resulting in significant downtime. 

“Too many women endure this bleeding, pain, and pressure thinking it’s just something they have to live with. They’re unaware of options to help them feel better,” Dr. Annmarie Vilkins, director of obstetrics & gynecology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit said. 

“Sonata lets them recover quickly and gives women a meaningful option if they want to avoid a hysterectomy.” 

Because the treatment is performed through the cervix, no surgical incisions are required.  

Surgeons use ultrasound guidance to locate the fibroids and targeted heat, a form of ablation, to shrink them. The uterus remains intact and over time symptoms from fibroids decrease. 

This innovative procedure typically takes less than an hour. Most patients return home shortly afterward and can resume normal activities within a few days. Clinical evidence from the Sonata System shows that 50% of patients returned to normal activity the next day and 90% of patients reported lighter periods within 3 months. 

Given that fibroids may affect fertility or complicate pregnancy, family planning is often a consideration when selecting effective fibroid treatment options.  

While the procedure is effective for symptom relief, research on pregnancy afterward is still emerging. Sonata is currently not recommended for patients who desire future fertility. 

“By offering the Sonata system, we’re giving our patients another option that improves their health, restores comfort, and helps them live their lives fully,” Vilkins said.  

Women interested in learning more about fibroid treatment options are encouraged to speak with their provider to explore what may be appropriate for their needs. 

 

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