Pioneering medical treatment at a Bradford hospital has been chosen to feature in the Millennium Dome.

The microwave technology used as an alternative to hysterectomy for women suffering heavy periods has been named a Millennium Product.

Visitors to the Dome will find it in the Spiral of Innovation which will showcase the best of British design and technology.

The Millennium Products initiative was launched by Prime Minister Tony Blair as a challenge to business to show that Britain is the creative powerhouse of the world.

The technique, called microwave endometrial ablation, started being used at Bradford Royal Infirmary in July by consultant gynaecologist Peter O'Donovan.

It uses microwaves to deliver rapid and precise heating to burn away the lining of the womb.

The method is a safe, quick alternative to a full hysterectomy - the removal of the womb - which involves four days in hospital and several weeks off work.

"This is further evidence of Bradford being at the cutting edge of healthcare technology," said Mr O'Donovan.

"Not only were we chosen to be at the forefront of the development of this technique, but now it's being showcased in the Millennium Dome.

"The rest of the world will be able to see the pioneering treatment which is benefiting women in Bradford."

The 8mm-wide probe used in the treatment has been developed by Hampshire-based company Microsulis plc.

A company spokesman said: "This could save the NHS up to £50 million a year and from a woman's point of view it's a much nicer option if you have extremely heavy periods, as opposed to having a hysterectomy."

Each year about one in 20 women between the ages of 35 and 49 consult their GP for excessive menstrual bleeding, which often becomes worse after childbirth.

A third of the caseloads of hospital gynaecologists involves women with heavy periods and 100,000 hysterectomies are carried out each year.

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