Radiology >>

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is the diagnosis and treatment of conditions using minimally invasive techniques with image guidance. Interventional radiologists (board-certified physicians with additional advanced training in image-guided, minimally invasive techniques) insert small instruments, such as catheters, or fine needles through small incisions, guiding them thorough the body with the aid of various imaging techniques—for example, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound or X-ray—rather than by direct visualization.

Interventional radiology offers a "minimally invasive" alternative to surgery, and can eliminate the need for hospitalization. In some cases, patients can be diagnosed and then treated during the same procedure.

Expanding Range of Advanced Procedures

Among the growing number of interventional diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are performed at CentraState are:

Angiography (arteriography) – a diagnostic technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs to detect disease, injuries and abnormalities that interfere with normal blood flow. Generally involves the insertion of a thin catheter into an artery at or near the suspected problem area through a small incision. Contrast dye is injected to make blood vessels visible on the X-ray. If a blocked blood vessel is found during the exam, the radiologist may be able treat it at that time with angioplasty and stenting.
CO2 angiography – the same as the technique described above, except that carbon dioxide (CO2) is used instead of contrast dye to may blood vessels visible on the X-ray. This is beneficial for patients who are allergic to dye. It can only be used for imaging kidneys and lower peripheral artery areas. It is not used for the upper body and extremities and the head.
Angioplasty – a therapeutic procedure to open up an area of blockage or narrowing inside a blood vessel using a tiny balloon on the tip of a catheter.
Biliary drainage – insertion of a catheter into the bile duct, which allows bile to drain.
Biopsy – removal of sample tissue for diagnostic purposes.
Dialysis fistulagram imaging – introduction of a catheter (thin tube) into a fistula in a dialysis patient to assess how it is functioning and rule out blockages. (A fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein created to provide enough blood flow at the appropriate pressure to make hemodialysis effective and possible.)
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) - a diagnostic procedure to collect and look at the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Nephrostomy – insertion of a catheter (thin tube) into the kidney to allow for drainage of urine when the ureter is block or there is a hole in the ureter or bladder and urine is leaking into the body. It can also be a diagnostic procedure to assess kidney anatomy or function.
Stenting – placement of a tiny tube (stent) in an artery, blood vessel or other duct (e.g., urinary tract) to hold the structure open.
Vascular access (peripherally inserted central catheter – PICC line) – insertion of a catheter (thin tube) using ultrasound and X-ray for guidance to give intravenous (IV) medications or fluids for a prolonged period of time—for example, for chemotherapy regimens or extended antibiotic therapy.

To schedule an interventional radiology procedure or for more information, call (732) 294-2947.

CentraState's Physician Finder
This is a free service that can help you locate a medical professional whose training you can trust. CentraState has more than 500 board-certified physicians and dentists on staff. Our computer database allows us to match you with a physician or dentist according to your needs. Information about medical training and practice location is also available. You can search for a doctor by name or specialty using the pull-down menus below. If you'd prefer you can e-mail CentraState's Physician Finder at PhysicianFinder@mycentrastate.com, or you can call the Physician Finder at (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727).

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