Diagnosing & Treating Diseases
Using x-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body, interventional radiology (IR) uses image guidance and minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in almost every organ system. Once a diagnosis has been made, radiologists deliver targeted treatment through a small incision. Today, advances in the field are revolutionizing treatment options for common and serious medical issues. Also, because of the small incision, patients who have IR procedures generally have less pain, a lower risk of infection or complications, and shorter recovery times when compared to traditional open surgery procedures.
Innovative Interventional Radiology Procedures
While the list of interventional radiology procedures is constantly evolving, the following are some of the most common that we perform:
General Medicine Treatments
- All body biopsy
- Fluid or abscess drainage or aspiration
- All venous access, including ports and tunneled PICC lines
- Tunneled pleural and peritoneal catheter insertion
- Gastric tube placement
OB/GYN Treatments
- Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
- Gonadal vein embolization for pelvic congestion syndrome
- Embolization for postpartum massive bleeding
Urology Treatments
- Prostate artery embolization (PAE)
- Pudendal and hypogastric artery stenting
- Ureteral stenting
- Renal mass ablation
- Preoperative embolization for hypervascular renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Varicocele embolization
Pulmonary Treatments
- Submassive/massive pulmonary embolus (PE)
- IVC filter
- Embolization of bronchial arteries for intractable hemoptysis
- Chest tube placement
Dialysis and Nephrology Treatments
- EndoAVF to create access for hemodialysis
- Permcath placement for short-term dialysis treatment
- PD catheter placement for peritoneal dialysis
- AV dialysis fistula and graft maintenance and declotting
- Angioplasty and stents
Arterial & Venous Vascular Treatments
- Angioplasty and vascular stenting
- Deep ben thrombosis (DVT) thrombolysis/thrombectomy
- AAA/TAA endovascular repair
- Femoral and carotid endarterectomy
- Embolization of AV malformations
- Procedures for vascular blockage
- Sclerotherapy for spider veins
- Varicose vein treatment
- Peripheral artery disease assessment (PAD)
Oncology Treatments
- Tumor biopsy
- Radioembolization (Y-90)
- Chemoembolization
- Microwave ablation (MWA) or cryoblation of solid organ tumors
- Ports for venous access
Brain and Spine Treatments
- Stroke intervention to clear blocked blood flow
- Internal maxillary artery (IMAX) embolization
- Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for recurrent subdural hematoma
- Aneurysm repair
Pain Management
- Epidural steroid injections
- Bone and joint injections
- Vertebral augmentation such as kyphoplasty
Migraine Headache Treatment
- Sphenopalatineganglion (SPG) block
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A Full Spectrum of Radiation Therapy Services
Interventional radiologists are medical doctors with additional specialized training after medical school. They are trained in radiology and in using wires, needles, and catheters to navigate the body, guided by imaging.
At West County Radiological Group, all our interventional radiologists have completed fellowship programs and are certified by the American Board of Radiology. Our team of interventional radiologists relies on the latest technology to provide our patients with compassionate care and optimal results. With West County Radiological Group as part of your team, you’ll receive excellent, quality care from highly skilled specialists.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN IR PROCEDURE
At West County Radiological Group, we perform a wide range of interventional radiology procedures in specialized rooms equipped with advanced imaging technology. Imaging is typically performed before positioning for optimal treatment. In order to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the procedure, you may receive sedation. For most IR procedures, the doctor will make a small cut and insert a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) or wire to reach the part of your body that needs treatment. A special dye may also be used to better visualize different parts of your body during your test or treatment.
