Interventional radiology: on the forefront of technology
Interventional radiology (IR), a subspecialty of radiology, is one of the fastest growing subspecialties in medicine today. Physicians who specialize in this evolving medical field use such image-guided technology as MRIs, CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds to navigate small catheters and catheter-based instruments, thus reducing the need for large incisions or general anesthesia.
Angioplasty was one of the first IR procedures. Today, there are dozens and the list is growing fast. IR procedures, like UFE and vertebroplasty, pose less risk, require less recovery time and less intensive sedation, and are more cost-effective than more conventional surgeries. Sometimes, these procedures are the only viable option for critically ill patients unable to tolerate a surgical procedure.
Interventional radiologists use cement to decrease spinal pain
Vertebroplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure that can fix spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis, cancer or benign tumors. Doctors essentially use cement to stabilize fractured vertebrae, significantly reducing back pain and repairing a spinal fracture.
“The procedure is usually successful at alleviating the pain caused by a compression fracture,” said Dr. William Marshall an orthopedic radiologist who performs the procedure in the medical center’s interventional radiology suite. Radiologist Dr. Sanjay Patel also performs the procedure.
“Vertebroplasty patients feel significant relief almost immediately,” said Marshall who noted that many of the patients also regain lost mobility.
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and is usually completed within two hours. It requires no major surgical incision and can be done under local anesthesia.
For more information on vertebroplasty, call 757-312-5282.
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To schedule an exam:
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
736 Battlefield Blvd. North
Chesapeake, VA 23320
757-312-8121