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Interventional Radiology:
Smaller Incisions, Big Benefits


Recent advancements in imaging technology and treatment techniques have made Interventional Radiology (IR) one of today’s fastest growing medical specialties.
Interventional radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in performing percutaneous (through the skin) procedures using highly detailed images and state-of-the-art medical equipment. Examples include removing blockages in blood vessels, placing stents to hold vessels open, closing vessels to stop bleeding and a variety of other procedures. In certain cases, IR can offer the benefit of smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery.

Holland Hospital recently announced the launch of its new Interventional Radiology program, which provides expanded IR services to the local area. With the hospital’s additional treatment capabilities and the credentialing of eight experienced interventional radiologists, Lakeshore area residents need not travel out of town for many IR procedures. For more information, speak with your physician or visit hollandhospital.org.

Examples of IR Procedures
Embolization – creating a blockage to stop blood flow in a specific vessel/area, as in the case of an aneurysm (vessel bulge) or internal injuries from an automobile accident. Also used to treat uterine fibroid (or other) tumors by "starving" the tumors of blood and destroying them.

Stenting – inserting small, flexible mesh tubes to hold open clogged blood vessels or other pathways that have been narrowed by disease or obstructions.

Thrombolysis – dissolving blood clots by injecting clot-busting drugs directly at the site.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portal-Systemic Shunt (TIPS) – can help treat patients who suffer from liver disease and its complications by creating new vascular channels, inserting stents and re-routing critical blood flow to and from the liver.

Vertebroplasty – repairs a vertebra (spinal bone) damaged by osteoporosis, cancer or other injury by injecting an orthopaedic cement mixture to strengthen the bone, relieve pain, restore functional abilities and prevent further damage.

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Healthy Life is published by Holland Hospital to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. Your comments are welcome. ©2008 Holland Hospital.

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