General Information

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Vertebroplasty

Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization

Radiofrequency Ablation

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information on PET Imaging

Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization
This is a technique whereby the interventional radiologist places a small catheter through a tiny nick in the groin directly into the artery supplying the cancer. Through the catheter, concentrated chemicals suspended in oil are delivered regionally to "flood" the cancer. Once this is performed, small particles of dried alcohol are injected to "starve" the cancer of arterial flow and help prevent the chemo-products from washing out. This procedure is being used for primary liver cancers as well as cancers which spread to the liver (metastasis).

The procedure's major strengths include its minimally invasive approach, which results in no significant scarring after the placement of a band-aid over the skin nick. With this technique, patients do not experience the usual side effects seen with systemic chemotherapy. It is typically a painless procedure with some associated nausea.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

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.