Simple facts about a Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that has been called "The Surgery of the 21st Century." Interventional radiologists are highly specialized medical doctors who have many years of special training after medical school. This training includes radiation safety as well as the use of x-rays an other imaging techniques (radiology) that "see" inside the body without surgery. These physicians also undergo extensive training in techniques that treat diseases percutaneously (through the skin).

Interventional radiologists perform diagnostic studies called angiograms to diagnose problems with blood vessels. In many cases, these problems can be treated non-surgically Interventional radiologists are among the most innovative physicians in all of medicine, and have pioneered many minimally invasive treatments during the past 15 years Interventional radiologists today can offer non operative treatments for blocked blood vessels in the pelvis, aorta, legs, arms chest and neck. Interventional radiologists have pioneered a minimally invasive treatment for patient with abdominal aortic aneurysms that affords select patients the ability to have their aneurysm treated at less cost with improved safety. These physicians have pioneered treatment for a number of liver disorders, and offer new hope to select patients with liver cancer. Radiologist are pioneering treatments for female patients with uterine fibroids, for males and females with infertility and for many types of patients who need devices implanted to allow administration of medicines over a prolonged period of time. Talk to your doctor about these possibilities, or for a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists, contact Radiology Consultants.

Interventional Neuroradiology

Dr. Eren Erdem is a specialist in the field of Interventional Neuroradiology. This encompasses the treatment of the cerebral aneurysms, acute stroke intervention, angioplasty and stenting of the carotid and vertebral arteries; as well as any other procedures related to the blood vessels in the head and neck. They also perform percutaneous vertebroplasty which involves injecting medical cement into fractured vertebral bodies of the spine for the relief of severe pain.

Vascular Diagnosis/Intervention

• Angiography, Venography, Angioplasty, Stenting
  
• Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (Abdominal and Thoracic)
  
• Venous Access (including Infusaport Placement)
  

Oncology Intervention

• Ablation
  RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)
  Cryoablation
  IRE (Irreversible Electroporation, Nano-knife)
  
• Chemoembolization
  
• Biopsy

(GI) Gastrointestinal Intervention

• Feeding tube placement
  
• Biliary Drainage/Stenting
  
• TIPS shunt placement

(GU) Urologic Intervention

• Nephrostomy placement
  
• Ureteral stenting
  
• Suprapubic Urinary Drainage
  
• Varicocele Embolization
  
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Spine/Pain

• Vertebroplasty/ Kyphoplasty
  
• Epidural Steroid Injection
  
• Arthrography

Why is follow-up after intervention important?

Your interventional radiologist will order a follow-up appointment after your procedure. He may need to view pictures (X-ray, CT or MRI) to see the results after your procedure. Follow-up care is an essential part of your treatment, and it should be adhered to regularly. Long term results of certain procedures have not been established. It is possible for problems to occur that do not cause noticeable symptoms. If a problem occurs, he may recommend additional tests to monitor your case.

Angiography - What to expect

Most patients will sign into the department the day of their procedure. They will evaluated by the Baptist nursing staff and by a specially trained nurse from Radiology Consultants. If needed, blood may be taken for certain laboratory tests to ensure that the examination can proceed safely. You will then be taken to the angiography--or special procedures suite. This is a room much like an operating room, except it has special X-ray equipment that will be used by your interventionalist during your examination. You will be placed on a table, and the special procedures technologist will prepare you for your examination. This usually involves cleaning and draping the skin where your doctor will put the catheter or other tools needed for the examination. After you are prepared, your radiologist will come into the room and make certain that you are comfortable. He will anesthetize the skin that has been prepared, and then place a small needle into your blood vessel through which he can place his catheter and any other tools necessary. In almost all cases, you will be sedated during the examination. All of our patients report that the worst part of the arteriogram is thinking about it! Doing it is much easier!

REMEMBER: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day preceding your examination.

What happens after your arteriogram or intervention?

After your diagnostic study or intervention, the catheter will be removed from your artery or vein. A special procedures technologist will hold pressure on the site where the catheter entered your body until any bleeding stops. You will be taken to a recovery area and observed very closely for 5-6 hours. You will be able, in most cases, to eat an drink after your examination. After your recovery period, you will be given a series of instruction regarding what you may or may not do for the next 24 hours. In some instances, you may receive a prescription from your interventional radiologist, which you should fill, and take as directed.

The interventional radiologist who performed your procedure will provide your physician with an interpretation of the arteriogram, and inform him or her if any other procedures that were performed. Your physician can then make a diagnosis and explain the findings to you, in terms of your health and treatment.

While under the care of our Interventional radiology team, we want you to feel at ease and safe. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, please bring them to our attention by contacting us at 501-202-4605. WE believe in treating your needs with care.

You will receive a bill form Radiology Consultants for the radiological services. We will bill your insurance as a courtesy to you. Please feel free to discuss your charges or any insurance as a courtesy to you. Please feel free to discuss your charges or any insurance questions with our receptionist. You may also call us later if questions arise.