The practice of Interventional Radiology is comprised of minimally-invasive image-guided diagnostic tests as well as a range of therapeutic procedures, many that now replace open surgery as the gold standard of care. Breakthroughs in imaging technologies allow your Interventional Radiologist to utilize highly advanced systems, such as x-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound, to pinpoint the area under examination and create a quick and accurate diagnosis. Because the localization is so precise, only a minimal incision is needed to deliver treatment, reducing the risk of discomfort and infection and promoting a speedy recovery.
Interventional Radiology has made huge improvements for many patients in the treatment of everything from vascular blockage to chronic pain. Radiology Associates’ Board-certified, subspecializing interventionalists diagnose, evaluate and treat a vast array of vascular and nonvascular conditions without the risk and recovery times associated with open surgery.
“Interventional Radiology includes a wide selection of non- and minimally-invasive diagnostic tools as well as healing treatments requiring only tiny incisions to target diseased areas in the body and brain,” says David B. Turetsky, MD, who specializes in Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology. “Using imaging guidance, we can employ catheters, heat and medications to treat conditions that once required riskier open surgery. For many health problems, IR provides a safer and more effective option.”
What Procedures Does Radiology Associates Provide?
Radiology Associates offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, including:
Evaluation and treatment of vascular conditions
Vascular access procedures, including catheterization for medicine and dialysis
Thrombolysis for nonsurgical treatment of blood clots
Uterine artery embolization (UFE)
Embolization of tumors and bleeding vessels
Thermal tumor ablation
Minimally-invasive image-guided needle biopsy
Stroke management
Feeding tube placement and management
Radiology Associates also provides outpatient image-guided pain management procedures:
Epidural steroid injection
Facet block
Medial branch block
Other spine/low back treatments
“Interventional Radiology is more than just an alternative to open surgery; in many instances, it is superior,” says Vascular and Interventional Radiology subspecialist Dr. Scott D. Klioze. “One example is in the treatment of varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation, or ELA, uses image guidance to direct a laser straight to a varicosed vein, sealing it off so that it shrinks and dies, eliminating symptoms and cosmetic issues with little to no downtime. It really makes traditional invasive vein stripping a thing of the past.”
For the diagnosis and treatment of many health conditions, Radiology Associates delivers safe and effective alternatives to open surgery and can help reduce dependence on habit-forming and potentially dangerous pain medication. For more information about how Interventional Radiology may help your condition, talk to your clinician or call Radiology Associates at 386-274-6000.