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Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology uses image guidance (x-ray, ultrasound, and
magnetic resonance) to perform minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Image guidance allows for increased precision in performing procedures.
Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. They include opening
blocked arteries, occluding blood flow to tumors and bleeding sites,
draining abscesses and using fine needles to biopsy masses. Conscious
sedation, analgesia and local anesthesia are used for patient comfort.
Interventional and Vascular procedures that Charleston
Radiologists offers:
- Diagnostic arteriography and venography
- Vascular angioplasty and stenting
- Dialysis graft interventions
- Thrombolysis including treatment of DVT
- Venous Access
- Inferior Vena Cava stenting and IVC filter
placements
- Biliary drainage and intervention
- GU tract intervention
- Gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy tube placement
and revisions
- TIPS (transjugular intra-hepatic portosystemic
shunt)
- Biopsy and abscess drainages
- Chemoembolization of liver tumors
- Radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors
- Uterine artery embolizations for uterine fibroids
- Vertebroplasty for thoracic and lumbar spine
fractures and compressions
Patient Preparation
Prior to most interventional procedures patients will not be allowed to
eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your procedure.
Most people should continue to take their prescribed medications as long
as it can be tolerated on an empty stomach. If you are a diabetic and take
insulin, DO NOT TAKE YOUR INSULIN. If you take blood thinners such as
Coumadin, tell your doctor so it can be stopped prior to your procedure.
If you have any allergy to contrast (x-ray dye) or iodine, let your doctor
know immediately. Do not smoke for at least 24 hours before your
procedure. A nurse from the department will call you the day before your
test to go over any special preparations and to answer your questions. |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS |
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Featuring Gene Phillips, M.D.
Interventional Radiologist with Charleston Radiologists, PA
Medical Director, InvisiVein
Q. What are varicose veins?
A. Varicose veins are abnormal bulging veins below the skin surface that are unsightly and often painful. They frequently cause swelling and discomfort in the legs, especially during periods of prolonged standing. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to permanent skin changes and sometimes ulceration.
Q. Are varicose veins only a cosmetic concern?
A. The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) is the concern. However, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated.
Q. What new non-invasive techniques are available to treat varicose veins?
A. Surgery was the traditional treatment for varicose veins, but it’s invasive, moderately painful and has a slightly longer recovery period. Surgery requires the use of anesthesia, leaves a scar and a few incisions.
One of the newest non-invasive techniques in varicose vein removal is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). The EVLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, requires no incisions, and usually lasts less than an hour. An interventional radiologist, a doctor specially trained in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance, can perform EVLT.
Q. How does the EVLT procedure work?
A. With EVLT, laser energy minimizes the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates the bulging of the vein at its source. After the treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
The procedure leaves no visible scarring. There is minimal postoperative pain, and a quick recovery period gains immediate relief from symptoms. It is well documented that EVLT has a 98% initial success rate with excellent long-term results.
For more information on EVLT and varicose vein removal, visit InvisVein. |
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