We use minimally invasive techniques to treat chronic conditions such as uterine fibroids and pelvic congestion syndrome without surgery.
Fibroids are a common non-cancerous growth in the uterus. Fibroids can cause abdominal and pelvic pain, cramping, heavy period, and frequent urination.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a uterus preserving procedure which is performed in women with symptoms related to fibroids. This procedure is a safe alternative to surgery. The interventional radiologist uses a small catheter to treat the arteries going to the fibroids.
Blood flow to the fibroids is blocked by which plugging up the blood vessels going to the fibroid. After this procedure fibroids shrink, and symptoms related to fibroids are improved.
MRI guided HIFU is a completely non-invasive therapy for treating uterine fibroids. The HIFU machine is used to direct sound waves at a uterine fibroid. The treatment destroys the uterine fibroid while sparing the rest of the uterus. MRI is used target the fibroids with precision.
Enlarged and congested pelvic veins accumulate large volumes of blood which can contribute to chronic pelvic pain. By using a small catheter, abnormal pelvic veins can be sealed with coils and sclerosants. Once these veins are treated, pain symptoms related to the enlarged and dilated veins typically improve.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a non-surgical treatment which helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign enlargement of the prostate.
Interventional radiologists work with oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons to come up with the best treatment for each patient. Interventional procedures are frequently used to treat cancer of the liver and cancer metastatic to the liver.
Liver tumors and tumors which have metastasized to the liver can be treated by injecting chemotherapy (chemo) directly into the liver artery as well as by blocking the arteries feeding the tumor (embolization). Liver tumors and metastases to the liver can also be treated by delivering tiny beads covered with radioactive material into the arteries supplying the liver tumor.
These treatments can help shrink tumors and help reduce tumor related symptoms.
For information regarding the tumor ablation program at BWH, please click on the following link: BWH Tumor Ablation Program
We use innovative techniques to treat patients with varicose veins, spider veins, and other vein related issues
We use minimally invasive techniques to place filters in the inferior vena cava. These filters help to stop large blood clots from reaching the lungs.
The Inferior vena cava (IVC) is a vein in the abdomen which carries a large portion of the blood from the lower part of the body to the heart.
IVC filters are implantable devices which are placed in the IVC using a minimally invasive technique. These filters can prevent harmful blood clots from traveling to the heart and lungs from the lower part of the body. Once they are no longer needed, these filters should be removed.
We use minimally invasive techniques to treat patients with lymphatic system abnormalities.
The lymphatic system helps to absorb nutrients, supports the immune system, and aids in draining fluid from tissues. Certain injuries and diseases can lead to leakage of fluid from these lymphatic vessels into other parts of the body. These symptoms can be disabling and harmful.
Interventional radiologists can use minimally invasive techniques to help diagnose and treat abnormalities in the lymphatic system.
We use minimally invasive techniques to treat patients with symptoms related to high blood pressures in the portal vein.
The portal vein is responsible for carrying blood from the bowel, spleen, and pancreas to the liver. High portal blood pressures can lead to large volumes of fluid filling up the abdominal cavity and life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. This condition can be caused by liver scarring (cirrhosis), certain kinds of heart failure, and portal vein clots, among other reasons.
Patients experiencing the effects of increased blood pressure in the portal veins can be treated with a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS). The TIPS procedure can effectively reduce the portal blood pressure to reduce the risk of these events.
Pain related to fractures of bones in the spine can be painful and can limit function. Back pain related to damaged vertebral bones may be treated using minimally invasive procedures.
Fractures can occur in weakened bones from osteoporosis, from bone damage due to cancer, or from traumatic injury. Since many nerves are present around the spine, fractures to the vertebral bones can cause pain.
An interventional radiologist can help treat this pain by inserting a needle under x-ray guidance into the damaged bone. A sterile medical grade cement is injected into the damaged bone to help restore its shape and strength, which can help reduce pain.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is an emerging minimally invasive therapy offered to patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis related knee pain. It is performed by interventional radiologist physicians who specialize in minimally invasive procedures utilizing X-Ray guidance.
Why is this procedure performed?
GAE selectively blocks small arterial branches that supply the inflamed lining of the knee joint called the synovium. This synovial lining is known to contribute to knee pain in patients with OA. By reducing blood flow to the synovium, GAE is thought to reduce the inflammation and pain in the knee.
Who is a good candidate for GAE?
GAE is offered to a wide range of patients who have moderate to severe pain localized to the knee. Patients who have tried other therapies, such as physical therapy, pain medications, steroid injections, or nerve treatments, but have not seen an improvement, might consider this procedure.
GAE can also serve as a bridge to surgery for those considering knee replacement or for patients who are not good candidates for knee replacement.
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