The practice of Interventional Radiology is comprised of minimally-invasive image-guided diagnostic tests as well as a range of therapeutic procedures, many that now replace open surgery as the gold standard of care. Breakthroughs in imaging technologies allow your Interventional Radiologist to utilize highly advanced systems, such as x-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound, to pinpoint the area under examination and create a quick and accurate diagnosis. Because the localization is so precise, only a minimal incision is needed to deliver treatment, reducing the risk of discomfort and infection and promoting a speedy recovery.
Interventional Radiology has made huge improvements for many patients in the treatment of everything from vascular blockage to chronic pain – in fact, the large roster of evaluation and treatment procedures inspired RAO to create its own Center for Vascular Health (CVH), which hosts a team of Board-certified, subspecializing interventionalists, who diagnose, evaluate and treat a vast array of vascular and nonvascular conditions.
“Our main goal in the interventional oncology procedures we offer is to target and treat the patient’s liver or kidney tumors through a minimally invasive approach, with shorter procedure and recovery times, and without a significant negative impact in their quality of life when compared to surgery,” says Jaime L. Abesada, MD, Medical Director for RAO’s Center for Vascular Health. Dr. Abesada specializes in Interventional Oncology with a focus on hepatic chemoembolization, tumoral bland embolization, and hepatic and renal tumor ablation, all highly effective treatments for liver cancer. “By using sophisticated image guidance, I can direct currents, heat or medication directly to the liver tumor. For people with smaller tumors, these procedures have a high success rate. They may also present alternatives for people with larger tumors whose health profile prevents open surgery.”
By utilizing dramatic advances in radiological technologies, CVH is able to provide treatment for a long list of conditions and disorders on an outpatient or overnight-stay basis.
What Procedures Does CVH Provide?
CVH offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, including:
Evaluation and treatment of vascular conditions
Arterial catheterizations (also called angiograms)
Treatment of arteriovenous malformations
Uterine artery embolization (UFE)
Assessment and treatment of varicose veins
Targeted kidney and liver tumor treatments
Catheter placement
Coronary computed tomography angiogram
Non-invasive bodily arterial evaluation
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty to treat compression fractures
Epidural steroid injections
Selective nerve root blocks
SI joints injections and facet injections
Discograms
CVH’s minimally-invasive services are performed at the region’s most respected hospitals: AdventHealth Ocala, Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital, with whom CVH’s interventionalists have long-standing relationships.
“Diagnosing and treating pain is an important element in our care,” says Diagnostic, Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, Rolando E. Prieto, MD. Dr. Prieto is highly experienced in the use of image guidance to discover the true source of pain and provide targeted relief. “Oftentimes, pain is referred from another area of the body. By using advanced imaging systems, we’re able to determine where pain originates and direct therapy to that space, proving lasting relief and reducing or eliminating the need of pain relievers.”
For the diagnosis and treatment of many health conditions, CVH delivers safe and effective alternatives to open surgery and can help reduce dependence on habit-forming and potentially dangerous pain medication. For more information about how Interventional Radiology may help your condition, talk to your clinician or call CVH at 352-671-4252.
