Knowledge Center
June 15, 2021
Vertebroplasty is a nonsurgical pain treatment for spinal compression fractures cause by osteoporosis or bone tumors.
General Overview:
Vertebroplasty is a pain treatment for vertebral compression fractures in the acute or subacute setting. The procedure is a nonsurgical treatment performed by interventional radiologists using imaging guidance. The radiologist stabilizes the collapsed vertebra with the injection of medical-grade bone cement into the spine. This reduces pain, and can prevent further collapse of the vertebra in patients with osteoporosis or metastatic bone disease. Vertebroplasty dramatically improves back pain within hours of the procedure, provides long-term pain relief and has a low complication rate, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
If the vertebra isn't treated, it can heal in a compressed or flattened wedge shape. Once this occurs, the compression fracture cannot be treated effectively. It is very important for someone with persistent spinal pain lasting more than three months to consult an interventional radiologist, and people who require constant pain relief with narcotics should seek help immediately.
Details of the Procedure:
The exam is performed as an outpatient under conscious sedation in the radiology interventional suite. A small skin nick is made over the patient's back. Using real-time x-rays, a small needle is placed into the collapsed (fractured) vertebral body. Medical-grade bone cement is then slowly injected into the fracture. The cement stabilizes the fracture and acts like an 'internal cast' for that vertebral body. The radiologist can treat multiple fractures at a time. The overall procedure time can vary depending on the number of fractures being treated, but generally the procedure takes an hour or two. Typically, the patient can be released home on the same day.
Results & Recovery:
Many patients experience immediate relief from the procedure. The overwhelming majority of patients report improvement of pain symptoms within 48 hours. Most patients can resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure.
Courtesy of "SIR.com"
June 15, 2021
Green Bay Radiology works in partnership with the Regional Cancer Collaborative. We offer the full spectrum of diagnostic and supportive services. A brief listing of some of the oncologocial-support services we provide are as follows:
Central Venous Catheter Access, Support and Removal:
Patients may need a central venous line (port-a-cath, dialysis catheters, tunneled catheters, etc.) for long-term central venous access. This provides a safe and effective method for frequent blood draws, a route for administering treatments such as chemotherapy or antibiotics, and provides dialysis access.
Vertebroplasty:
Vertebroplasty is a pain treatment for vertebral compression fractures in the acute or subacute setting. The procedure is a nonsurgical treatment performed by interventional radiologists using imaging guidance. The radiologist stabilizes the collapsed vertebra with the injection of medical-grade bone cement into the spine. This reduces pain, and can prevent further collapse of the vertebra in patients with osteoporosis or metastatic bone disease. Vertebroplasty dramatically improves back pain within hours of the procedure, provides long-term pain relief and has a low complication rate, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
PET Scan:
Some of the imaging centers that Green Bay Radiology works with offer PET scans. Positron emission tomography (PET), is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. PET scans are used most often to detect certain types of cancer and to examine the effects of cancer therapy by characterizing biochemical changes in the cancer. PET scans can also be used to detect coronary artery disease of the heart and a number of neurological disorders (including memory disorders, brain tumors, and seizure disorders).
Biopsy:
In cancer care it is often necessary to take a small sample of soft tissue for diagnosing certain lesions. Green Bay Radiology uses the latest techniques by incorporating imaging guidance for precise sampling. Ultrasound, flouroscopy, CT, and even MRI can be used to guide this procedure. These procedures are routinely done on an outpatient basis with minimal risk to the patient and minimal recovery times.
Chemotherapy Embolization:
Chemoembolization is a cutting edge technique that uses a small catheter to deliver chemotherapy agents directly to a tumor. This is combined with an embolic agent that effectively 'traps' the chemotherapy in the desired targe and limits the blood supply to the tumor. This is most often used in the liver, but has been used to treat tumors that have metastasized from colon, breast, pancreas and other sources. This procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis, and requires consultation between the referring physician, the patient, and the performing interventional radiologist.
June 15, 2021
Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of fibroids is a minimally-invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists. Traditional therapies can include medical therapies targeting hormone regulation, no treatment at all, or surgical options including focal myomectomy and complete uterine removal called hysterectomy. Uterine artery embolization of fibroids is a treatment administered from the inside of the artery; this method is an endovascular technique that occludes the blood flow to fibroids. Sterile tiny particles are directed into the fibroids by catheters selective into the arteries.
The fibroids become inflamed and then shrink by scarring which leads to significant pain and bleeding reduction related to fibroid symptoms. The benefits include faster recovery times, decreased hospitalization times, excellent clinical results, no general anesthesia risks, and preservation of the uterus. Many patients have been able to carry future pregnancies after this procedure, as the uterus is not removed.
Recently, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued a new recommendation, based on the highest level of medical evidence, acknowledging that "uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective option for appropriately selected women who wish to retain their uteri." Green Bay Radiology has an extensive wealth of knowledge and experience in treating this entity with 6 IR physicians available at your service.
ACOG Practice Bulletin "Alternatives to Hysterectomy in the Management of Leiomyomas," Number 96, August 2008