The innovative specialty you ’ ve likely never heard of .
The innovative specialty you ’ ve likely never heard of .
If you ’ re not sure what interventional radiology ( IR ) is , you ’ re not alone . “ The Society of Interventional Radiology has been trying to explain it since 1975 ,” said Paul Kiproff , MD , Director of the AHN Imaging Institute Division of Interventional Radiology .
IR is a medical specialty characterized by the use of image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ . “ It ’ s surgery without a scalpel ,” said Andrew Klobuka , MD , AHN diagnostic radiology . Interventional radiologists use X-ray , MRI , CT scans , and ultrasound — along with needles , catheters , and wires — to perform targeted , minimally invasive procedures within blood vessels and the lymphatic system with more precision and less risk than traditional surgery .
From cancer to blood clots , and many things in between
Many conditions and diseases can now be managed with IR procedures . These include :
• Aneurysms
• Blood clots
• Cancer
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• An enlarged prostate
• Infertility
• Internal bleeding
• Kidney disease
• Gallstones
• Uterine fibroids
• Tumors of the liver , kidney , lung , and bone
“ We ’ re able to precisely go where the issues are ,” said Kyle Cothron , MD , AHN Diagnostic Radiology . This could mean stopping blood flow to an organ or tumor to shrink or eradicate it , or using catheters to inject chemotherapy or tiny radioactive beads . “ There ’ s no need for stitches , staples , or general anesthesia . Patients can go home the same day and get back to a better quality of life sooner .”
Interventional radiology is also used to perform biopsies , and put in feeding tubes , central lines , and portals .
An expanded team , an enhanced space
The IR team at Allegheny General Hospital is growing . “ We now have 12 interventional radiologists ,” said Dr . Klobuka . “ We each bring our own range of experiences and expertise . And we ’ re with you every step of the way : from consultation to post-procedure follow-up .”
The team has also recently moved into a brand new space within the hospital . It has four state-of-the-art procedure rooms , each equipped with the most advanced imaging technology available . And , each of the four preoperative bays offers total privacy . “ But you ’ re never alone ,” said Dr . Klobuka .
“ The nurses have direct visibility , so you always have access to whatever care you need .” As technology continues to evolve , the possibilities in IR are as exciting as they are endless .
“ We ’ re always moving the bar forward in terms of what we ’ re able to do ,” said Dr . Kiproff .
If you have a condition that ’ s impacting your day-to-day life , ask your doctor if interventional radiology is an option for you .
“ The beauty of this specialty is procedures are quicker , healing is faster , and costs are minimized .”
— Paul Kiproff , MD , AHN , Interventional Radiology