Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a procedure performed by an Interventional Radiologist. An Interventional Radiologist is a physician who specializes in using imaging guidance (x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI scan) to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat different diseases.
Archives: Procedures
Diagnosis of Fibroids
Usually, diagnosis of fibroids occurs during a gynecological examination where the physician feels the fibroids during a physical exam.
Consultation and Follow Up Process at Northside
All consultations and procedures are done at all three Northside Hospital locations – Atlanta (Sandy Springs), Cherokee (Canton) or Forsyth (Cumming).
Central Venous Access Catheters
Certain people with medical conditions sometimes require that tubes should be placed into the veins in the body so that they can receive medication or nutrients directly into the blood stream. In addition, blood can be drawn through these catheters. In the past surgery was required to insert these tubes, however, today this can be done without surgery by an interventional radiologist.
Chemoembolization
Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer that can be used when there is too much tumor to treat with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), when the tumor is in a location that cannot be treated with RFA, or in combination with RFA or other treatments.
Tomography
An x-ray technique used to detail complex bone anatomy, typically following a fracture and/or surgery. Excellent for evaluation of metallic surgical hardware. Occasionally combined with arthrography. Procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injections
Imaging-guided diagnostic and therapeutic injections typically involve a localized injection of an anesthetic and/or steroid into a joint such as the hip or facet. May be combined with CT or fluoroscopy.
Myelography
Injection of x-ray dye into the spinal canal using local anesthesia to evaluate nerve compression most commonly for “slipped disc.” Typically combined with CT. Requires approximately 60 minutes for myelogram with CT and four hours of monitored recovery time.
Blood Clot Treatment
One common side effect of cancer or cancer treatments is the development of blood clots, or emboli, that can be life-threatening if they travel to the brain, lungs or heart. There are two interventional radiology procedures that can reduce the risks posed by blood clots:
Female Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome
It is estimated that one-third of all women will experience chronic pelvic pain in their lifetime. Many of these women are told the problem is “all in their head” but recent advancements now show the pain may be due to hard to detect varicose veins in the pelvis, known as pelvic congestion syndrome.