What is special about Interventional Radiologists?

What is special about Interventional Radiologists?

The American Medical Association recognizes 45 specialties in North America.  You can probably name a few off the top of your head including pediatrics, oncology and cardiology.  For most people, Interventional Radiology isn’t among the first 10 (or even 20) specialties that come to mind.

Until very recently, Interventional Radiology was considered a small part of the larger specialty of Radiology.  In addition to interpreting images such as x-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans, Interventional Radiologists also treat patients with a variety of diseases from cancer to varicose veins.  Using the same tools as a general Radiologist, an Interventional Radiologist is able to treat a patient that would have other required surgery.  Interventional Radiology procedures are minimally invasive.  In fact, most involve incisions smaller than 1 centimeter.

Here are few treatments offered by Interventional Radiologists:

– Embolization: Blocking a bleeding blood vessel from within the blood vessel wall.

– Tumor ablation: Using extreme heat or cold temperatures to kill a tumor.

– Radioembolization: Treating a liver tumor with radiation therapy precisely delivered into the arteries supplying the tumor.

– Nephrostomy: Placing a tube into the kidney to drain urine blocked by a stone.

– Varicose vein treatment: Using glue or heat to remove problematic veins from a patient’s circulation.

Interventional Radiology procedures are not confined to one part of the body or organ system.  The only commonalities in our procedures are the use of imaging guidance and minimally invasive techniques.

This is exactly why so many patients come to us with their varicose veins.  Our ability to perform and interpret the ultrasound examination is key to making the right diagnosis and creating a treatment plan.  The specialized training we receive in minimally invasive techniques gives our patient’s confidence in our ability to treat their veins without leaving large scars or sutures.  We invite you to meet an Interventional Radiologist at the Vein Institute of Blue Bell so we can use our skills to improve your quality of life.  For a consultation, call (267)416-9534.