Medical Imaging
Interventional Angiography
Our angiography suite uses digital technology. This allows for less contrast, lower radiation levels and high quality images. The most common procedures are described below.
Diagnostic Angiography | Angioplasty and Stenting | Thrombolysis
Percutaneous Drainage | Percutaneous Needle Biopsy | Embolization
Thrombectomy | Musculoskeletal Procedure
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is done to visualize the blood vessels in your body. Angiography is done to determine whether you have peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition where plaque collects in the arteries of the arms or legs, clogging or slowing the blood flow.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter's Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure, including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: Contrast material is injected into the blood vessel through a catheter. This helps the radiologist visualize the blood vessels.
How Long the Procedure Takes: The average time is 90 minutes but can vary based on the specific area being imaged.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is done to treat peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition where plaque collects in the arteries of the arms or legs, clogging or slowing the blood flow.
Preparation: This minimally invasive procedure uses local anesthesia and light conscious sedation, as needed.
How the Procedure is Performed: Angioplasty involves threading a balloon-tipped catheter through an artery in the groin (femoral artery). The catheter is then guided to the narrowed or diseased area. The balloon is inflated and expands the narrowed artery. The physician may also insert a stent (a tiny metal mesh tube) that acts as scaffolding to hold the artery open. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologists assist the physician performing the procedure. The nurse continuously monitors heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and blood oxygen level. The Technologist assists the physician with the sterile procedure and imaging.
How Long the Procedure Takes: The average time is 120 minutes but can vary based on the specific area being imaged.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is done to treat peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition where plaque collects in the arteries of the arms or legs, clogging or slowing the blood flow. This procedure is also used when a narrowing or blockage is caused by a blood clot.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter's Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure, including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: A catheter is used to mechanically break up a clot or directly deliver drugs to dissolve the clot. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologists assist in the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: The average time is 90 minutes but can vary based on the specific area being imaged.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is done to drain an abscess or fluid collection.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter's Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure, including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: This therapeutic procedure involves a small skin puncture using local anesthetic. A hollow tube or catheter is passed into the abscess or fluid collection area. Sometimes the tube is left in place to drain for several days. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologist assist the Interventional Radiologist performing the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 60 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is done to provide a diagnosis of abnormal tissue in the body.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter’s Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure, including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: This procedure is done through the small puncture in the skin. A needle with a special tip is advanced into a lesion to collect a small sample. The tissue is examined by a pathologist. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologists assist the physician performing the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 60 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is used to stop blood flow to tumors or leaking vessels.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter's Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure, including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: Embolization is performed by inserting a catheter into the groin (femoral artery) and using x-ray guidance and periodic injections of iodine contrast material to map the vessels. The catheter is threaded into the vessel carrying blood to tumors or leaking vessels. Small absorbent particles are injected through the catheter until the flow is blocked. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologists assist the physician performing the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 120 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is used when a blood clot in the arteries needs to be removed without breaking up the clot.
Preparation: You will be asked to check in 4 hours prior to your appointment and will be directed to Meriter's Day Care Unit. Nurses in that unit will prepare you for the procedure, including starting an IV.
How the Procedure is Performed: The physician inserts a balloon catheter past the site of the blood clot, inflates it and removes the balloon, pulling the clot with it. Simply sucking (aspirating) out the clot is another technique used to remove a clot. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologists assist the physician performing the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 120 minutes for your appointment.
Why This Procedure is Done: This procedure is performed to relive pain in spine joints.
Preparation: Blood thinners must be discontinued 4 hours prior to appointment.
How the Procedure is Performed: The Interventional Radiologist numbs a small area of the skin. Then, using x-ray guidance, a very small needle is directed into the joint. Contrast material is injected to confirm the medication only goes into the joint. A small mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is slowly injected into the joint. Registered Nurses and Registered Technologist assist the Interventional Radiologist performing the procedure.
How Long the Procedure Takes: Please allow 60 minutes for your appointment.
3/2/2007
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