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Interventional Radiology

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Interventional radiology Naperville

Interventional Radiology (IR)

Interventional Radiology is minimally invasive, image-guided treatment of medical conditions. Interventional radiologists use advanced imaging to see inside your body and treat complex conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, blood clots, and dialysis access in a less invasive manner and with unprecedented precision. IR often reduces the length of hospital stays and minimizes potential complications. In addition, Interventional Radiologists play a key role in multidisciplinary conferences in the hospital at the Gastrointestinal, Lung, and Genitourinary tumor boards. This allows different specialties to work together to create the optimal treatment plan. Naperville Radiologists have experienced Board-Certified Interventional Radiologists who perform a wide array of procedures. Please see the procedures below for further information. 

IR Procedures

Arthrogram (Shoulder, Hip, Knee, etc.)

Arthrograms are image guided joint injections with contrast agents (i.e. dye) for people who need a closer examination of the minute structures within a joint. These joint injections can be performed commonly under x-ray guidance/fluoroscopy or under ultrasound guidance. Patients then have follow-up imaging via computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MRI) to evaluate the joint. The injected contrast allows better evaluation of the joint. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for an arthrogram and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200

Celiac Plexus Block

Celiac Plexus Block is a pain injection procedure to relieve abdominal and back pain caused by pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis.  Moderate sedation is used to allow for optimal patient comfort during the procedure.  Using CT guidance, medication can be safely and precisely placed around the celiac plexus nerve bundle in order to block the pain signals caused by the pancreatic disease.  The pain relief can last from serval weeks to years depending on differing clinical factors. The procedure is performed as an outpatient allowing the patient to go home after a few hours of recovery. If you need to have an ultrasound guided thoracentesis and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Angiogram

An angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure to view arteries in your body. There are many reasons why an angiogram can be required such as symptomatic narrowing of the blood vessel, bleeding, or evaluation/treatment of tumors. The procedure involves placing a small catheter in the common femoral artery with the aid of an ultrasound machine after the injection of lidocaine, a local anesthetic. During the procedure, IV conscious sedation can be given as well. The catheter is then utilized to access the specific artery in question using fluoroscopy (X-rays) and contrast. Depending on the reason for the angiogram, different treatment options are available such as stopping flow in the artery (embolization), injecting radioactive material for tumor treatment, or dilating the vessel and placing a stent. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from five to seven hours.  If you are in need of an angiogram and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Abscess/Fluid Collection Drains

Abscess/Fluid collection drain placement is a minimally invasive procedure that places a small catheter into a fluid collection. The fluid collection can be infected, pain, or obstructing another organ.  A small needle is placed into the collection using ultrasound or CT imagining, based on the location of the collection.  A wire is then placed through the needle, the needle is removed, and a small drain/catheter is slid over the wire. The wire is removed and the catheter is secured to the skin with a small suture. The catheter is then attached to a bulb or bag to drain all the contents of the fluid collection so the fluid can be disposed of when convenient.  The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to five hours depending on the procedure and sedation requirement.  Once the procedure is completed, your physician should have the results of any laboratory studies from the fluid he/she requested within two to three business days. If you need to have an abscess/fluid collection drain placed and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Biliary Drains

Biliary drain placement is a minimally invasive procedure that places a small catheter into your liver to help drain out bile. The reason for placement may be secondary to an obstruction or possible bile leak. The fluid collection can be infected, pain, or obstructing another organ.  A small needle is placed into the collection using ultrasound or CT imagining, based on the location of the collection.  A wire is then placed through the needle, the needle is removed, and a small drain/catheter is slid over the wire. The wire is removed and the catheter is secured to the skin with a small suture. The catheter is then attached to a bulb or bag to drain all the contents of the fluid collection so the fluid can be disposed of when convenient.  The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to five hours depending on the procedure and sedation requirement.  Once the procedure is completed, your physician should have the results of any laboratory studies from the fluid he/she requested within two to three business days. If you need to have an abscess/fluid collection drain placed and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Central Line Placement (PICC, dialysis catheter, etc.)

A central line is a small catheter/tube that goes into your vein and ends near your heart. This device can be used for multiple things such as IV medications, dialysis , blood draws, giving fluids, nutrition or instilling contrast for your imaging studies depending on the type of line your physician is requesting. The placement of the line uses ultrasound and fluoroscopy (X-ray). The ultrasound machine is used to access the vein and place the catheter while the X-ray is used to confirm final position of the catheter. Depending on what type of line is requested by your physician, conscious sedation may be used. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to four hours.  If you need to have a central line placed and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Chest Port Placement

A chest port is a small device that is placed underneath your skin that has a thin catheter/tube that goes into your vein and ends near your heart. This device can be used for multiple things such as IV medications, blood draws, giving fluids, or instilling contrast for your imaging studies. The placement of the device is considered a minor surgery that uses ultrasound and fluoroscopy (X-ray). The ultrasound machine is used to access the vein and place the catheter while the X-ray is used to confirm final position of the catheter. A small incision is made over the upper chest and a small pocket is formed to place the port device. The procedure utilizes conscious sedation. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from three to four hours.  If you need to have a chest port placed and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Cholecystostomy/Gallbladder Drains

Cholecystostomy Tube placement is a minimally invasive procedure that places a small catheter/tube into your gallbladder. The reason for needing a catheter is likely secondary to infection.  A small needle is placed into the collection using ultrasound.  A wire is then placed through the needle and coiled within the gallbladder, the needle is removed, and a small drain/catheter is slid over the wire. The wire is removed and the catheter is secured to the skin with a small suture. The catheter is then attached to a bag to drain all the contents of the gallbladder. The fluid can be disposed of when convenient.  The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to five hours depending on the procedure and sedation requirement. If you need to have an abscess/fluid collection drain placed and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

CT guided Biopsy

CT Guided Biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a needle to sample tissue in a lesion that was discovered on your CT. This procedure utilizes a CT machine to position the needle at the location of the lesion for multiple core samples. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to five hours depending on the procedure and sedation requirement.  Once the procedure is completed, your physician should have the results of your biopsy within two to three business days. If you need to have a CT guided biopsy and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Dialysis fistula/graft treatment

A Dialysis fistula or graft is a surgically placed access, most often in the arms, for dialysis for end stage renal patients. On occasion these can have issues such as slow flow, narrowing in veins, or even stop functioning. Interventional Radiology can utilize small catheters through the fistula or graft to remove the clot, open up narrowings, or place stents if necessary. The minimally invasive procedure utilizes both ultrasound and fluoroscopy (X-ray). The ultrasound machine is used to access the fistula/graft, see the anatomy, as well as diagnose the amount of clot. X-ray can see the flow through the fistula/graft after using contrast. The procedure typically uses lidocaine as local anesthetic and conscious sedation may be utilized depending on what needs to be done. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from three to five hours.  If you are having issues with your fistula or graft and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Gastric (Feeding) tubes

A gastric tube is a tube that goes through the skin and into your stomach. Often times it is used to aid in feeding and giving medication but can also be used to decompress the stomach if there is an obstruction. The procedure entails place a small catheter in your nose and then advanced into your stomach (this catheter is removed at the end of the procedure). The catheter is used to fill your stomach full of air. Using X-ray, three to four small sutures are placed to bring your stomach closer to the skin surface and the gastric tube is placed in between the sutures. The sutures typically dissolve within two weeks. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from three to five hours.  If you are in need of a gastric tube and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters are devices placed in the body for patients who have or are at risk for having blood clots in their legs and lungs. Blood clots from the legs or pelvis known as deep venous thromboses (DVTs) can occasionally break up into smaller pieces, where they can lodge in the heart or lung.  This can be a fatal event or cause significant morbidity.  Typically, patients with blood clots are treated with medications like blood thinners to prevent the clots from worsening.  However, not all patients are able to take these medications, and sometimes treatment with these medications may not be successful. An IVC filter is a small metal device which is placed in a large vein in the abdomen, the inferior vena cava. In this location, the filter is able to filter the blood, preventing large clots from traveling to the heart or lungs where they can cause more damage.  The procedure to place them is often quick, safe, relatively painless, and can be performed on an outpatient basis.  If the filter is no longer necessary, most filters can even be retrieved completely intact at a later date – ideally within the first six months –  thereby eliminating any risks. Although IVC filters are safe and have been used in patients for decades, there are risks of the procedure – as there are with any procedure.  There are rare and uncommon instances of filters dislodging, changing position, or fragmenting into smaller pieces.  Not all patients can receive these devices. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from three to four hours.  If you need to have an IVC Filter placed or removed, and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Joint Pain Injection

Joint pain injections are image guided injections with pain medication for people with joint pain. These joint injections can be performed commonly under x-ray guidance/fluoroscopy or under ultrasound guidance. The physician may utilize a small amount of contrast to confirm positioning of the needle prior to injecting the pain medication. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a joint injection and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty (Vertebral Augmentation)

Vertebral Augmentation is a procedure which is minimally invasive to treat fractures of the vertebral bodies. The treated fractures are located in the mid to lower back and are caused by such conditions as osteoporosis or trauma. Patients are candidates if they have considerable pain that is not allowing them to do normal daily activities. The procedure involves placing small needle(s) into the back using X-ray (fluoroscopy) to guide needles into the appropriate vertebral body. After the placement of the needle is confirmed, acrylic bone cement is injected into the vertebral body which hardens very quickly. During the procedure, a patient will either receive conscious sedation or sedation provided by the Anesthesia team. After the procedure, patients often feel pain relieve immediately but in certain cases the pain relief could take up to a week. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a vertebral augmentation procedure and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture is often performed on an outpatient basis.  The goal of the procedure is most commonly to obtain cerebral spinal fluid for testing. The patient will lie face down on an x-ray table. The x-ray images will guide the radiologist where to place the small needle in the lower back.  A local anesthetic is injected into your lower back to numb the puncture area before the needle is placed. The local anesthetic will sting for a few seconds. The needle is then placed into the thecal sac to obtain the cerebral spinal fluid. After the needle is removed a small bandage is placed. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes. The patient will lie down after the procedure. If you and your physician think you are in need of a lumbar puncture and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Myelogram

A CT myelogram is usually done as an outpatient. The patient will lie face down on an x-ray table. The x-ray allows the radiologist to see the bony structures and inject the contrast material into the thecal sac. The table may be tilted and the patient may be asked to move into different positions to ensure the contrast material is in the appropriate location. The patient will then be taken to the CT scanner for further imaging.  The myelography portion of the examination is usually completed within 30 to 60 minutes. A CT scan will add another 15 to 30 minutes to the visit. A CT scan is an excellent test for assessing bony findings such as spondylolysis, scoliosis, or fracture. CT imaging is also useful to see spinal hardware. The contrast within the thecal sac aids the radiologist to see spinal canal narrowing and the neural foramina. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a myelogram and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Nephrostomy Tube/Nephro-ureteral Stent Placement

A nephrostomy tube is a small tube (catheter) which is placed into your kidney through your skin to help drain urine. It is typically used when there is an obstruction, infection, or possible injury to your ureter or bladder. The catheter is attached to a bag to collect the urine which can be drained when convenient. The minimally invasive procedure utilizes both ultrasound and fluoroscopy (X-ray). The ultrasound machine is used to place a needle into the kidney while the X-ray is used to confirm final position of the catheter. The procedure typically utilizes intravenous medication for conscious sedation and uses lidocaine as local anesthetic. A nephro-ureteral stent is a small catheter that is placed from your kidney to your bladder. It drains the urine to the bladder. There are two types: Internal and Internal/External. The internal is completely inside your body and no catheter exits the skin. The internal/external has a small catheter exiting your skin and is attached to a bag to collect urine. The procedure for placement of these stents/catheter is similar to a nephrostomy tube placement. The estimated duration for these procedures including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from three to five hours.  If you need a nephrostomy tube or nephro-ureteral stent and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Paracentesis

Paracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a needle to drain ascites, or fluid that is in your abdomen surrounding your bowel and/or liver. The fluid can be caused by numerous processes and can cause distention of your abdomen. Typically, this is discovered on physical exam or imaging such as a CT scan or ultrasound. This procedure uses an ultrasound machine to position the needle within the fluid after utilizing local anesthetic (lidocaine). The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to three hours.  Once the procedure is completed, your physician should have the results of any laboratory tests (if requested) within two to three business days. If you need to have an ultrasound guided thoracentesis and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Pelvic Venogram

Pelvic venogram is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. It is a process that is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain and is associated with dilated veins in the pelvis. The procedure involves placing a small catheter in the common femoral vein with the aid of an ultrasound machine after the injection of lidocaine, a local anesthetic. During the procedure, IV conscious sedation can be given as well. The catheter is then utilized to access both the right and left ovarian (gonadal) veins. Contrast is injected to document the size of the vessels and the number of collaterals formed using fluoroscopy (X-rays). At times, contrast injections of both internal iliac veins may also be performed. If Pelvic Congestion Syndrome with dilated veins are present, these can be treated through the catheter to stop flow through the veins (embolization), medical management, or a surgical approach. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from three to five hours.  If you need a pelvic venogram and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Percutaneous Tenotomy (Tenex)

Percutaneous Tenotomy (i.e.Tenex)  is an image guided procedure performed under ultrasound to treat people with tendon related pain. In this procedure, the MSK radiologist uses a needle to enter a disease tendon under ultrasound guidance to treat for moderate tendon degenerative disease. The performance of this procedure usually allows for a quicker healing of the tendon and quicker relief from pain. This procedure is often times performed on the tendons of the elbow, ankle including the plantar fascia, knee, hip and shoulder regions. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for the Tenex procedure and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Testicular Vein Embolization (For Varicoceles)

Testicular Vein Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is a non-surgical approach to treat varicoceles, enlargement of veins within the scrotum which can cause pain and lead to infertility. The procedure involves placing a small catheter into your testicular vein and stop flow in the vein, by placing coils and/or injecting a liquid sclerosant. This is an outpatient procedure and typically only requires conscious sedation. If you and your physician think you are a candidate for testicular vein embolization and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849.

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a needle to drain pleural fluid, or fluid that is in your chest but outside of your lung. The fluid can be caused by numerous processes and can cause shortness of breath at rest or exertion. Typically, this is discovered on imaging such as a chest x-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound. This procedure uses an ultrasound machine to position the needle within the fluid after utilizing local anesthetic (lidocaine). The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from two to three hours.  Once the procedure is completed, your physician should have the results of any laboratory tests (if requested) within two to three business days. If you need to have an ultrasound guided thoracentesis and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Tumor Thermoablation (Microwave ablation)

Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a probe to send electromagnetic waves to a tumor which creates heat around the probe and destroys the cells within the tumor. This procedure utilizes a CT machine to position the small probe in the lesion, often times within the liver or kidney. Once the position of the probe is document as correct on the CT images, the microwave generator is turned on. The intensity of the energy spectrum and length of time of ablation is determined by the size of the lesion, but often times the ablation process takes less than 10 minutes. Typically, sedation is provided by an Anesthesiologist during the procedure.  The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from four to five hours depending on the procedure. If you need to have Tumor thermoablation/Microwave ablation and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a needle to sample tissue in a lesion that was discovered on your ultrasound. This procedure uses an ultrasound machine to position the needle at the location of the lesion for multiple core samples. Depending on the location of the lesion, this may require sedation intravenously. The estimated duration for this procedure including pre-operative check in and post-operative recovery can vary from one to five hours depending on the procedure and sedation requirement.  Once the procedure is completed, your physician should have the results of your biopsy within two to three business days. If you need to have an ultrasound guided biopsy and have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Central Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-3200.

Uterine Artery Embolization/Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus which can vary in size, some can grow larger than 6 inches.  Many of these cause no symptoms but when they do, the symptoms can include heavy, prolonged periods, fatigue due to anemia, pain, increased urinary frequency, enlarged belly, and constipation.

Current medical treatments include birth control pills (which decrease the heavy bleeding) and hormone treatments (which sometimes can shrink the fibroids) but may cause menopause-like side effects such as hot flashes and bone loss.  Fibroid symptoms will return when the treatment stops. Surgical treatments include hysterectomy (complete removal of uterus) and myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids).  These are effective but require anesthesia and long recovery times and the normal risks of surgical procedure.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also referred to uterine artery embolization (UAE), is a minimally invasive option that preserves the uterus and has a significant reduction in recovery times compared to surgery.  This procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids causing them to shrink.  Many studies have demonstrated this procedure to reduce pain, bleeding, and frequent urination.  The procedure requires only a small nick in the skin and a 1-day hospital stay for monitoring and pain control.  Patients often return to work in 7 to 10 days after procedure.  This procedure has shown to have lower complication rate after 30 days than a hysterectomy (12.7% to 32%).  

Uterine Fibroid embolization typically has a very low complication rate. Some of the documented risks and complications of UFE are transient amenorrhea, short term allergic reaction/rash, vaginal discharge/infection, possible fibroid passage, drug reactions, and pain.

Uterine fibroid embolizations have been performed by Interventional Radiologists for well over two decades now with positive results.  Most insurance companies will cover UFE as a treatment for symptomatic fibroids.  If you are interested in more information and would like to speak to an Interventional Radiologist regarding the procedure, call 630-527-2849 to schedule a consult with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital. 

Y-90 Treatment (Radioembolization)

Radioembolization of the liver with Yttrium-90 is a minimally invasive procedure performed for the treatment of nonresectable hepatocellular cancer (HCC) or liver dominant metastatic disease.  This procedure is available for patients who are not able to have or have not had success with other treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and liver transplantation. 

In order to perform the treatment, at least two angiograms (a procedure involving taking pictures of blood vessels) need to be performed.  Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis; patients come in to have the procedure done and leave on the same day.  During the first procedure, the blood supply of liver is mapped out and the blood vessels supplying tumor are identified.  During this procedure, blood vessels which may interfere with the treatment are identified as well, and may need to be occluded.  The patient is then discharged and returns approximately 1 week later for treatment.  In the second procedure, an angiogram is again performed.  During this procedure, very small glass or resin beads filled with a radioactive isotope, Yttrium-90, are injected into the blood vessels which supply the tumor.  These beads treat the tumor through a combination of blocking the blood supply to cancer cells as well as delivering a high dose of radiation to the tumor.  Using this technique, the radiation dose to normal tissues can be minimized.  The dose given is carefully calculated by radiologists to maximize radiation to the tumor while minimizing the radiation to the normal liver.

Radioembolization can slow or stop the growth of tumors, as well as reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for patients.  Most patients respond well to the treatment.  Side effects are often minimal and include mild abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue or low grade fever which typically lasts 1-2 weeks.  Serious side effects are rare, but include ulcer formation and abscess formation.  Not all patients are candidates for treatment.  If you and your physician think you are a candidate for a Y-90 radioembolization and you have an order from your physician, please call Edward-Elmhurst Scheduling to schedule with Naperville Radiology at Edward Hospital at (630) 527-2849 and have a consult with an Interventional Radiologist.