What is Interventional Radiology?
In addition to performing various diagnostic tests, Radiology Regional Center performs numerous interventional procedures. Several members of our medical staff specialize in this area of radiology and have undergone extensive training and received additional certification.
The area of Interventional Radiology has developed as a subspecialty of diagnostic imaging. It utilizes state -of-the-art imaging equipment to perform diagnostic and therapeutic invasive procedures, which can sometimes be thought of as mini-surgery.
In many cases, Interventional Radiology reduces the expense and risk of the procedure to the patient and markedly reduces recovery time, allowing the patient to return to work and normal activities more quickly.
Our specially equipped facilities allow our radiologists to perform a variety of interventional and mini-surgical procedures that can be performed as outpatients in an office setting. These include:
Because of the involved nature of many of these procedures, they are discussed in detail with the referring physician and in consultation with each patient. For more invasive procedures, our interventional radiologists maintain clinical and admitting privileges at several local hospitals when a brief hospital stay is indicated.
Percutaneous Biopsies
A Percutaneous biopsy is a way of taking a small piece of tissue out of your body, using a tiny incision, so that it can be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Because this biopsy is done through the skin, it is called a percutaneous biopsy.
Myelography
Myelography is a procedure used to detect blockage of the spinal canal which may be caused by a tumor, infection, herniated disk, or arthritis. X-rays and fluoroscopy are used to provide pictures of the spinal canal (the cavity within the bones of the spine).
Venous Access Procedures
A venous access procedure is designed for patients who need intravenous (IV) access for a extended period of time (longer than 7 to 10 days). A venous access catheter is inserted into a branch vein in the arm, neck or just beneath the collarbone. The tube is then threaded into a major vein in the chest. This provides a simple, painless way to draw blood or deliver drugs, nutrients or both, thus sparing the patient repeated needle sticks. These central catheters can remain in place for several weeks to several months.
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