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Radiology at Hudson Regional Hospital has always been a priority, but with the addition of bringing physicians from around the tri-state area, a new specialty of focus is interventional radiology. Interventional radiologists provide minimally invasive, image-guided diagnosis and subsequent treatment of numerous medical conditions, elevating the facility’s existing capabilities to unprecedented levels and resulting in a higher level of overall care for patients who need these services.
As opposed to many traditional radiological tests, interventional radiology (IR) is used in combination with radiological image guidance to target therapies specifically. Many IR treatments are seen as minimally invasive and are often a same-day procedure. Although not “concretely” preventive, IR procedures can be seen as precautionary to avoid lengthy, drawn-out surgical procedures. For example, IR is utilized to look for the first signs of conditions like abnormalities in the blood vessels and blockage areas in the liver.
The hospital provides a range of different examination and treatment options that involve interventional radiology. Based on the most recent data and input from Hudson Regional Hospital physicians, here is a sample of some interventional radiological procedures that can help keep you out of the hospital and enjoying life.
Angioplasty
At its most basic, angioplasty is the surgical unblocking of a blood vessel. Typically, an angioplasty is utilized to reduce chest pain or minimize damage from a heart attack but can also be used to treat a clogged vessel in the arm or leg. With interventional radiology, this procedure can often be completed on the same day and without anesthesia.
Minimally Invasive Biopsies
Similar to angioplasty, a biopsy is also a same-day procedure. A biopsy is typically taken to diagnose whether an individual has a disease. However, preventive biopsy tests have become quite popular as people become more sensitive to the signs of various cancers. Some normal biopsies include a prostate or breast biopsy.
Vertebroplasty
More than 80 percent of Americans experience back pain every year and sometimes back pain or lumbar trauma can result in a fracture. Vertebroplasty is a procedure that utilizes image guidance to blow up a balloon in your spinal column. Once the balloon is inflated, the physician will inject concrete to make sure the spine is secure. Many times, vertebroplasty is an outpatient procedure that is done in one day. Patients can return to their normal lives almost immediately.
Varicose Veins
As we age, it is common for many people to have varicose veins, or “spider veins.” This condition occurs when one-way valves in veins no longer function and the blood begins to pool over time. In traditional surgery, this type of procedure would involve a lot of anesthesia and a more extended hospital stay. With interventional radiology, however, both your hospital stay and use of anesthesia are substantially minimized.
In sum, the benefits of interventional radiology are varied. Many procedures can be completed with minimal anesthesia, procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, procedures cause less pain and a surprising number of procedures can be accomplished using interventional radiology.
Hudson Regional Hospital offers these radiology services and others, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Patients can inquire about these services or schedule appointments by contacting the hospital directly, either via telephone, at 201-392-3100, or email, at info@hudsonregionalhospital.com. Patients facing medical emergencies should proceed directly to the emergency room. The emergency room contact number is 201-392-3210.
