Interventional Radiology
207-777-4065
Hours of Service
7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday. On call emergency coverage after hours.
Scheduling should be arranged through the Angio Technologists at 207-777-4065.
Overview
The Interventional Radiology Lab is equipped with a Digital Toshiba Unit capable of Digital Angiography, Digital Subtraction Angiography, and Rotational Angiography. This allows for diagnosing cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, urologic disorders, and many other medical conditions.
The Interventional Radiology Lab performs approximately 25 different procedures including vascular imaging and intervention (angioplasty/stenting), urologic drainage/stent insertions, vertebroplasty, permanent ports, and PICC lines for long-term therapy. Imaging and Intervention for all types of dialysis access is offered as well.
As of September 2008, a comprehensive and collaborative EVLT program was started. It offers treatment for varicose veins. The procedure is actually done in the Venous Care Center located in the Endoscopy Dept. This is a collaboration between Dr. Robert Abrahamsen, Dr. Kenneth Cicuto, Dr. Justin Clark, and Dr. Joseph Gerding.
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Generally, the population of patients seen in the Interventional Radiology Lab have been pre-assessed by a Radiologist. This allows for existing medical conditions such as diabetes, poor renal function, or coagulation problems, to be addressed prior to procedure time.
Preps for each procedure are generally customized to the patient, but most include nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to exam day, and most will require the insertion of an IV line. Occasionally, lab work is drawn and if the exam requires access to the femoral artery or vein, then the patient’s groin will be shaved and prepped to avoid infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q- Will the procedure hurt?A- The procedure is generally not painful, although patients may feel some pressure at the
site where the Radiologist is working. Some patients may experience discomfort from
lying on the exam table for an extended period of time.
Q- Will I be put to sleep?
A- No. Patients are awake for the procedure, although patients may be given some
medication to help them relax. Patients are monitored constantly during their
procedures.
Q- Are these procedures safe?
A- These exams are considered to be invasive procedures, however, the risk is small
and they are considered to be relatively safe. The Radiologist will discuss the risks
in greater detail on the day of the exam.
Q- Can I go home the same day?
A- The majority of these exams are done on an out-patient basis and the patient is
usually discharged later that day.
More Information
Licensing/Accreditation
Vascular Interventional Physicians is a patient education web-site for the Interventional procedures that can be offered through Spectrum and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.