SIR 2025
Women's Health
Educational Exhibit
Anna Hu (she/her/hers)
Medical Student
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, United States
Ashley Lamba
Medical Student
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, United States
Austin N. Shinagawa, M.D.
Integrated Vascular and Interventional Radiology Resident
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, United States
John Gossen, MD
VIR Resident
KP VISLA, United States
Geogy Vatakencherry, MD, FSIR
Program Director of Vascular and Interventional Integrated Residency
Kaiser Permanente physician, United States
Tina Hardley, MD
Attending
Kaiser Permanente LAMC, United States
Understand pathophysiology of cesarean ectopic pregnancies and current treatment guidelines.
Case-based review demonstrating microwave ablation as an alternative minimally invasive curative treatment.
Understand possible treatment complications and preventive techniques.
Literature review of outcomes and risks comparing curative treatments
Cesarean section scar ectopic pregnancy is a rare but serious complication that arises from the implantation of ectopic tissue within the scar of a previous cesarean delivery. This condition poses significant risks to maternal health, often leading to severe hemorrhage and necessitating timely intervention. Microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged as an innovative treatment modality for this condition, leveraging targeted thermal energy to effectively destroy ectopic tissue while preserving surrounding structures. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through ultrasound imaging, and treatment decisions hinge on clinical presentation and patient preferences.
Clinical Findings/Procedure Details: This exhibit will (1) describe the microwave ablation procedure for cesarean section scar ectopic pregnancy; (2) review the imaging modalities used for accurate diagnosis and guidance during the procedure, including ultrasound for real-time visualization of ectopic tissue; (3) present a case-based review highlighting the clinical outcomes and experiences of patients treated with microwave ablation; (4) discuss literature on the safety profiles and recurrence rates associated with microwave ablation compared to traditional surgical interventions; and (5) explore potential complications related to microwave ablation, such as tissue injury and incomplete ablation, along with recommended management strategies to mitigate these risks.
Conclusion and/or Teaching Points: Cesarean section scar ectopic pregnancy presents unique challenges in management, necessitating timely intervention to mitigate risks to maternal health. Despite the increasing adoption of microwave ablation as a treatment modality, evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and optimal implementation remains varied. In this exhibit, we will synthesize and present the available data to inform and guide the management of cesarean section scar ectopic pregnancy through the lens of current clinical practices, ultimately enhancing decision-making for healthcare providers involved in the care of affected patients.