Interventional Radiology

Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Fibroids are benign tumors (myomas) within the uterus. Although they are not cancerous, these tumors can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure on the bladder or bowel.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (or UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment to treat fibroids. A specially trained radiologist uses a specially configured catheter to precisely inject an embolic agent into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid within the uterus. The agent blocks blood flow and causes the fibroids to shrink.

Nearly 90% of women who undergo this procedure experience relief of their symptoms after this procedure. However, UFE is not recommended for women who wish to become pregnant.

Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty procedures and kyphoplasty procedures are very similar. Both are minimally-invasive and are used to treat vertebral compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis, age-related bone mineral loss, or even trauma. In each procedure, a special bone filler cement is injected into the fracture to stabilize and strengthen the bone, as well as restore vertebral height. The main difference in the procedures is that kyphoplasty procedures utilize a balloon to create a cavity in the vertebra for the cement to occupy. Vertebroplasties do not use a balloon.

Both procedures are designed to alleviate pain caused by the fracture and to restore some or all of the vertebral body height which had been lost due to the compression fracture. The majority of patients who undergo these procedures experience pain relief quickly, with improved function commonly noted.

Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure that uses a special needle to remove tissue from a suspect area within the body for laboratory testing. To ensure the accuracy of needle placement, a diagnostic imaging test is often used in conjunction with the biopsy—which is why these procedures are performed by an experienced radiologist.

At XRC Medical Imaging, the following biopsies are performed:

• Breast biopsies
• Needle biopsies of the lungs
• Needle biopsies of the thyroid

Vascular Stenting
Vascular stenting is a minimally invasive procedure designed to improve blood flow in an artery or vein. It is often recommended as a treatment for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or peripheral artery disease (narrowing of the arteries in the legs or arms).

During the procedure, diagnostic imaging techniques are used to guide a balloon-tipped catheter into a blood vessel. The balloon is inflated in the blocked area. Once the vessel is open, a small wire mesh tube called a stent is permanently placed in the opening to help the artery or vein remain open.

Vascular stenting is a viable alternative for surgical interventions, such as bypass surgery. It is less invasive and carries less risk for the patient.