Interventional Radiology Services & Treatment Options our highly trained experts perform.
Liver Cancer Treatment Option:
Radioembolization (Y90) is a minimally invasive procedure that combines embolization and radiation therapy to treat liver cancer. Tiny glass or resin beads filled with the radioactive isotope yttrium Y-90 are placed inside the blood vessels that feed a tumor. This blocks the supply of blood to the cancer cells and delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing normal tissue.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment Options:
Thrombolysis
Thrombolysis delivers medication slowly, over 12-24 hours, to a blood clot through a thin tube that is inserted next to or within the clot. Often, the clots will be dissolved but the artery will still be narrowed and additional treatments may be required.
Thrombectomy
When a blood clot suddenly blocks blood flow, a treatment known as a thrombectomy will remove the clot from the body using various medical tools that can draw out, pull out, or vaporize the clot. The method chosen depends on the preference of the physician and the location of the clot.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty uses inflatable devices called balloons to open up narrowed arteries. Various types of balloons are used in different situations, including balloons that stretch arteries open, metal-edged balloons that cut and break up calcium deposits, and drug-coated balloons that can prevent scarring and future narrowing of the artery.
Stenting
Stenting uses small metal tubes to hold open narrowed arteries that are closing or blocked. These small cylinders hold the artery permanently open to improve blood flow.
Spinal Compression Fracture Treatment Options:
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment developed to treat pain caused by vertebral compression fractures, and has been safely performed since 1987. Using fluoroscopic (x-ray) imaging, an interventional radiologist precisely inserts a needle into the collapsed vertebral body through a small incision in the skin. This image-guided technique (a technique guided by live x-rays) allows the doctor to accurately access the fracture while minimizing any trauma to surrounding tissue. A medical-grade liquid cement is then injected into the center of the vertebrae. As the cement solidifies, the broken bone is stabilized. The treatment is performed with the patient face-down and sedated for their comfort. Afterwards, many patients feel immediate relief from pain.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty and is equally effective in stabilizing compression fractures. As with vertebroplasty, a needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra, using x-ray imaging. A balloon is then positioned into the collapsed bone and inflated to create a cavity for cement injection. This step also restores some degree of height to the bone before cement injection. Many patients feel immediate pain relief.
Varicose Veins Treatment Options:
Endovenous laser ablation treatment (EVLT)
EVLT is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to close off problematic veins and relieve the symptoms they cause. Using imaging guidance (guided by x-ray images), the interventional radiologist threads a thin laser fiber into the problem vein through a tiny needle. Next, the radiologist numbs the length of the vein to minimize discomfort during the heating process. Finally, the laser heat causes the vein to close. Once the problem vein is closed, blood will flow through the remaining healthy veins.
Radiofrequency ablation is a similar treatment, using a fiber that emits radiofrequency energy instead of a laser fiber.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the direct injection of a chemical irritant into a vein to close the vessel. This technique is often used to treat smaller veins such as telangiectasia (spider veins). A variety of materials can be used to irritate the vein lining, which causes them to shrink and close. The solution is administered through a tiny needle.
More Information can be found here:
Society of Interventional Radiology