Interventional Radiology Services
Interventional Radiology (IR or VIR for Vascular Interventional Radiology) is a subspecialty of radiology in which minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance (fluoroscopy/X-Ray). IR is used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of vascular and nonvascular conditions throughout the body.
This technique is often an alternative to the surgical treatment of many conditions and can eliminate the need for a stay at a hospital or medical center, in some cases. An Interventional Radiologist is a board-certified physician who offers the most in-depth knowledge of the least invasive treatments available. This is coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience across all specialties.
Why Use Interventional Radiology Services For A Shorter Recovery Time?
Because Interventional Radiologists use x-rays and other image-guided techniques, they’re able to advance a catheter and other small instruments in the body to diagnose or treat disease in their patient, non-surgically.
As the inventors of balloon angioplasty (a procedure to open blood vessels as an alternative to open surgery in your heart) and the catheter-delivered stent, Interventional Radiologists engineered this marvel of minimally invasive modern medicine.
What Are The Common Conditions That Can Be Treated With Interventional Radiology Procedures?
Luckily, there are many procedures to diagnose and treat certain health conditions. With proper imaging, physicians can provide medical care with minimally invasive procedures or surgery, resulting in less pain.
These therapeutic radiology services can provide a great alternative procedure to more invasive medical practices.
Arterial & Venous Disease
Interventional radiology procedures in arteries and veins can restore blood flow for patients that suffer from diseases related to arterial and venous diseases.
Balloon angioplasty is one of the many vascular interventional radiology procedures like this. Physicians can open blood vessels with specially-designed catheters where a tiny balloon is inflated to clear blood vessel locations with blockages.
Cancer
Interventional radiologists can take biopsies without surgery, ultimately causing less pain. This radiology tool can help a doctor diagnose health issues related to cancer and even narrow the problems down to specific locations.
When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, physicians can offer minimally invasive interventional radiology treatments for tumors—like different types of ablation.
Infections
When patients have an infection (or abscess), our skilled interventional radiologists can help with drainage services in a sterile hospital or medical center.
Kidney Disease
There are interventional radiology procedures used to treat different types of kidney disease with the help of ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. With this form of radiology, physicians can place all types of catheters, like those used in dialysis.
Liver Disease
There are a lot of different symptoms of liver disease, like bleeding or fluid retention. In cases like these, interventional radiology can help with certain medical procedures.
Properly placed shunts can be placed, allowing the blood to be redirected. Draining procedures can also assist with certain fluid retention issues.
Men’s Health
There are many cases where interventional procedures can be performed in a hospital to better benefit patients, such as with urinary tract and prostate problems. Interventional radiology can be used for prostate artery embolization, which is an enlargement of the prostate.
Interventional radiology can also assist in issues of fertility. Varicocele can hinder fertility in men, but with radiology interventional treatment, this issue can be improved.
Pain Management
Chronic back pain can be a debilitating health condition, but with the help of interventional radiology, there can be medical treatments and relief.
At RMC, our team of interventional radiologists can perform medical treatments, like sacroiliac joint injections, facet blocks, epidurals, intercostal blocks, and more.
Women’s Health
There are many minimally invasive medical procedures that can benefit women’s health. When in a hospital or medical center, women have access to radiology interventional services like uterine artery embolization.
Meet Interventional Radiologists From RMC
For more information on Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC) Imaging and Radiology Services, contact us here or call us at (256) 235-5277. Our team of board-certified Interventional Radiologists are here to help you with all of your diagnostic and treatment needs.