Interventional Radiology
What Is Interventional Radiology? What Is It Used for?
Interventional radiology procedures involve the treatment of the patient, as well as the diagnosis of disease. The exams treat an ever-widening range of conditions inside the body from outside the body by inserting various small instruments or tools, such as catheters or wires, with the use of various x-ray and imaging techniques (i.e., CT scanners, fluoroscopy and ultrasound scanners). Interventional radiology offers an alternative to the surgical treatment of many conditions and can eliminate the need for hospitalization, in some cases.
Some of the exams we offer in Diagnostic X-Ray imaging at MMCSC include the following:
- Angiography
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)
- Balloon Angioplasty
- Biliary Drainage and Stenting
- Central Venous Access
- Embolization
- Chemoembolization
- Infection and Abscess Drainage
- Needle Biopsy
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Stent Graft
Preparation:
Upon scheduling our specially trained Radiology nurses (RN) will provide you with the information required. Prior to your exam our Radiology nurses and specially trained IR technologists will explain the procedure to you. The Radiologist will review all the details, discuss and get the consent from you prior to the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the X-Ray exam take?
Depending on the exam procedures range from one hour to three hours.
What is intravenous contrast and when is it used?
Typically intravenous contrast agents are routinely used for most exams for diagnosing and treatment of vascular diseases. Patients must inform the Radiology nurse, IR technologist, the Radiologist and the referring physician if they have any allergies particularly to contrast used in Radiology exams.
Getting Your Results
Your X-Ray images will be analyzed by a radiologist, a physician who specializes in Interventional testing. The radiologist will send a signed report which includes an interpretation of the image to your primary physician. Your physician will receive your results soon after.
Our Team of Specialists
Our board certified Radiologists are specially trained to diagnose and interpret Interventional images. At MMCSC the Radiography technologists are specially trained in the theory and practice of Interventional Radiography procedures and assist the Radiologist operate the equipment used during the procedure. The technologists are board certified and licensed (ARRT), and MMCSC Radiology Department is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.