CT, MRI, ultrasound and x-rays are all used as mechanisms to guide small catheters, needles and other specialized medical devices directly into target sites for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes into sites deep in the body through skin incisions as small as 2 millimeters.

Interventions Offered

Vascular Interventional Procedures

We offer a complete range of peripheral arterial and venous interventions. Prior to treating peripheral arterial conditions, we use clinical evaluation and state-of-the-art vascular imaging techniques (noninvasive Doppler ultrasound, CTA, and MRA) to diagnose the extent and location of the patient’s peripheral arterial disease. When necessary, we can then perform the full spectrum of peripheral arterial endovascular interventions, including diagnostic angiography, balloon angioplasty, endovascular stenting and thrombolytic therapies.

Venous Interventions

Interventional radiology is leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency. Catheter-directed DVT thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy have an emerging role in the treatment of acute and early subacute ileofemoral deep vein thrombosis. We also place inferior vena cava filters on a permanent or temporary basis to decrease the risk of pulmonary embolism. We treat varicose vein treatments as well. All of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients can return to their normal activities within a day.

Dialysis

Hemodialysis is the mainstay of therapy offered to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Maintaining patency of the arterial-to-venous graft or fistula is crucial for the survival of the patient. Utilizing techniques of thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty, and stenting, we can help improve long-term patency. Plus, we commonly insert dialysis catheters using imaging guidance to ensure optimal catheter placement.

Interventional Oncology

Interventional radiology will play an increasing role in treating many types of malignancy. DRPC is proud to perform a variety of innovative interventional oncologic procedures. We are able to offer transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and percutaneous cryotherapy. Our other interventional oncologic capabilities include percutaneous biopsy and oncologic venous access services. Patients with nonresectable primary liver tumors and certain types of liver metastases can have improved survival rates and/or improved symptom control with TACE. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation are minimally invasive procedures that use thermal energy to treat inoperable tumors, most commonly in the liver, kidney, and adrenal glands.

Vertebral Compression Fractures

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive technique that involves the injection of an acrylic “bone cement” into the fractured vertebral body. This is highly effective in alleviating the pain associated with acute/subacute vertebral compression fractures and also helps to prevent progression of the vertebral fracture.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

This is a minimally invasive procedure that treats symptomatic fibroids characterized by dysfunctional uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, or pelvic bulk symptoms. With UFE, angiographic techniques are used to place a catheter into the arteries supplying the fibroids. Small particles are injected that block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to decrease in size and thereby alleviating symptoms in most patients.