Interventional Radiology and pathologies which we find in this procedure

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology:

Interventional radiology is a new medical specialty that belongs to both radiology and disciplines such as surgery, oncology, and urology. This specialty has a huge advantage in performing minimally invasive imaging-guided interventions. As a true complement to surgery, it offers new solutions for certain pathologies that were previously not possible in either radiology or other medical fields. Here are some of the treatments, from oncology to surgery, where their application is invaluable:

Stop Bleeding:

Interventional radiology helps stop bleeding by sealing bleeding vessels from the inside, with fewer complications. Stopping bleeding is especially valuable in the postoperative period since there is no need to operate on the patient again to stop it.

Tumor pathologies:

Interventional radiology uses percutaneous techniques to destroy tumors; using medical imaging: scanners, MRI, ultrasound - the doctor reaches the tumors with probes. The goal is to find the tumor and insert a probe to destroy it. For this, either heat radiated by radio frequencies or microwaves is used. As a result, the tumor is burned from the inside.

On the other hand, probes that freeze tissues at -80°C can also be used. The fluid freezes in the cells and they burst. In this way, tumors are destroyed without performing any surgery or incisions on the patient, with an efficiency that, in well-chosen cases, is equivalent to surgery.

Interventional radiology sometimes also offers a complete cure for tumors that have hitherto been considered untreatable. For example, radioactive particles can be injected into a tumor, which will radiate from within and eventually destroy the tumor, regardless of its type. This technique is called radioembolization. It is very well tolerated by patients.

Another promising method is to inject modified viruses into tumors that will only attack tumor cells. Naturally, the virus is modified in such a way that it cannot grow in healthy cells.

Stone and bile ducts

Interventional radiology is also used for biliary disease, gallstones, or obstructions. There is an introduction into the bile ducts for their cleaning, as is done for the vessel. In this way, stones can be destroyed and removed without surgery.

Pathologies:

Image-guided biopsy, which allows sampling of solid masses without the need for more complex surgical procedures;

• Embolization of cerebral aneurysms to prevent potentially catastrophic intracerebral bleeding; and
• Drainage of purulent abscesses that may occur after surgical interventions.
• The main types of pathologies in which this technique is used:
• Obliterating atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities;
• Cardiac ischemia;
• Thromboembolism of the pulmonary or peripheral arteries;
• Acute myocardial infarction;
• Aneurysms of the vascular system;
• The presence of benign and malignant tumors;
• Post infarction cardio sclerosis;
• Heart defects and insufficiency;
• Bleeding in the area of ​​the external carotid artery;
• Larches’ syndrome;
• Renovascular hypertension;
• Obliterating endarteritis;
• Hemorrhagic stroke;
• Deep vein thrombosis;
• Angina;
• Post infarction aneurysms;
• Nosebleeds and preparation for surgery to remove tumors in the nasopharynx;
• Arteriovenous malformations;
• Stenosis of the valves of the heart and blood vessels;
• Ischemic stroke, etc.

Patient Preparation:

• Before the procedure, avoid eating or drinking after midnight.
• Take your blood pressure and/or heart medications the morning of the procedure with a sip of water unless otherwise instructed.
• After the procedure, you won't be able to drive, so make transportation arrangements now.
• Seven days prior to the procedure, inquire with your doctor about stopping aspirin or other blood thinners.
• If you haven't had any lab work or are taking any medications, let the staff know.
• We will call you the day before with all of the preparation instructions.
• After your exam, you won't be permitted to drive, so please plan a way to get home.
• During the examination, you will be accompanied by a radiological technician. He will offer you a private space so that you can undress if necessary.
• If preparation is required, be sure to follow it to ensure the outcome and quality of your examination.
• It may be necessary to inject a contrast agent.
• You will be provided with temporary clothing.
• Feel free to ask questions and formulate your requests, which we will try to satisfy.
• The survey takes an average of 30 minutes.

Treatments for the treatment of veins:

Procedures on the arteries:

• Treatment of vascular stenosis of the whole body using balloons and stents
• Carotid angioplasty and stenting
• Cerebral stenting
• Stenting of the subclavian and vertebral arteries
• Angioplasty and stenting of the renal artery
• Angioplasty of the mesenteric artery
• Angioplasty of the iliac, femoral, and popliteal arteries
• Embolization of intracranial aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations (AVM),
• Intra-arterial thrombolysis in stroke
• Embolization of carotid-cavernous fistula
• Embolization for epistaxis, hemoptysis, acute gastrointestinal bleeding
• The use of endograft for aortic aneurysm
• Embolization of skull and neck tumors

Cancer treatments and procedures:

• Installation of a venous port
• Installation of a permanent tunnel and temporary venous catheter
• For liver tumors
• RF ablation
• Transarterial chemoembolization
• Portal vein treatment

Benefits of Interventional Radiology:

• This method of treatment is considered indispensable for helping severely weakened, elderly, unstable patients, and performing operations in hard-to-reach areas.
• Interventional radiology is often used to prepare for subsequent surgery.
• Interventional radiology has many advantages:
• Low likelihood of complications;
• Fewer contraindications to conduct;
• Democratic cost of treatment;
• Quick and complete recovery after procedures;
• Gentle effect on body tissues;
• A short period of stay in the hospital;
• In many cases, the use of an anesthetic drug is not required;
• High efficiency.
• Radiosurgery, a radiological treatment primarily used to fight cancer, has gained particular importance.
• Malignant cells are characterized by an abnormally high rate of division.
• Radiosurgery acts specifically on them, while healthy cells do not suffer. X-rays slow down the processes of division or even stop them, significantly facilitating the condition of the cancer patient.
• The principle of embolization is also very popular, which involves the introduction of an emblazing substance into the lumen of the vessel that feeds the neoplasm.
• This substance provokes blockage of the vessel, thereby disrupting the nutrition of the cancerous focus. Once cells begin to die, pain and bleeding disappear.
• In the case of ischemic heart disease, angioplasty under radiological control can be an alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery. Even in acute forms of myocardial infarction, such treatment is considered more effective than thrombolytic therapy.

Risk Factors:

Interventional therapy is generally risk-free and is typically only associated with minor side effects, such as low-grade fever, nausea, and pain. The most significant danger is that an interventional procedure could result in bleeding, hemorrhage, or, very rarely, death.