Used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Commonly done for peripheral artery disease (PAD) or coronary artery disease.

When is Angioplasty and Stenting Needed?

Angioplasty and stenting are needed to treat narrowed or blocked blood vessels caused by conditions like:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Plaque buildup restricts blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina) or heart attacks.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrowing of blood vessels in the limbs causes pain, numbness, or reduced circulation.

Carotid Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of neck arteries increases the risk of stroke.

Renal Artery Stenosis: Blockages in kidney arteries impair kidney function.

Blocked or Narrowed Blood Vessels Post-Surgery: Recurrent narrowing of vessels (restenosis) can occur after previous treatments.

It is usually recommended when lifestyle changes, medications, or non-invasive treatments fail to improve symptoms, or in emergencies like a heart attack.

The Angioplasty and Stenting Process

Before the Procedure:

Patients undergo imaging tests (angiogram, ultrasound, CT scan) to assess blockages.

Blood tests and a review of medical history are done.

Sedatives may be given for relaxation.

During the Procedure:

Access: A small incision is made, usually in the groin, wrist, or arm. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel.

Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging), the catheter is guided to the blocked artery.

Balloon Angioplasty: A small balloon attached to the catheter is inflated to widen the artery and push the plaque against the vessel walls.

Stenting: A stent (a small metal mesh tube) is placed in the artery to keep it open. Some stents are drug-coated to prevent re-narrowing.

Deflation and Removal: The balloon is deflated, and the catheter is removed. The stent remains in place permanently.

After the Procedure:

The patient is monitored for a few hours to ensure no bleeding or complications.

Rest is recommended for 24-48 hours.

Patients are advised to take blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin) to prevent clot formation around the stent.

Follow-up appointments and lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking) are necessary to maintain vessel health.

Blocks blood flow to a specific area, such as in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) or to stop bleeding.

When is Embolization Therapy Needed?

Embolization therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to block blood flow to specific areas of the body. It is needed to treat various medical conditions, including:

Uterine Fibroids: To shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain (Uterine Fibroid Embolization).

Tumors and Cancer: To cut off blood supply to tumors, such as in liver cancer (Transarterial Chemoembolization or Radioembolization).

Aneurysms: To prevent rupture by reducing blood flow to a weakened or bulging area of an artery.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: To stop life-threatening internal bleeding in the digestive tract.

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): To treat abnormal tangles of blood vessels that disrupt normal circulation.

Trauma-Related Bleeding: To control bleeding from injuries, such as pelvic fractures or organ damage.

Varicocele: To treat enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can cause pain or infertility.

Postpartum Hemorrhage: To stop excessive bleeding after childbirth.

It is often considered when traditional surgery is not suitable, or when a minimally invasive option is preferred for faster recovery.

The Embolization Therapy Process

Before the Procedure:

Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or angiography are performed to locate the blood vessels causing the problem.

The patient may need to fast for several hours.

A mild sedative is given to help the patient relax.

During the Procedure:

Access Point: A small incision is made, typically in the groin, wrist, or arm.

Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the targeted area using real-time imaging like fluoroscopy (X-ray).

Embolic Agent Delivery: A specialized embolic agent is injected into the blood vessel to block blood flow. Types of embolic agents include:

Small particles (microspheres)

Coils (metal spirals)

Liquid embolic agents (glue-like substances)

Gels or foams

Verification: Imaging is used to ensure the blockage is complete, and blood flow has stopped.

After the Procedure:

The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the access site to stop any bleeding.

The patient is monitored for a few hours to ensure no complications.

Instructions are given on rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and medications to manage pain or discomfort.

Minimally invasive method to extract tissue samples for diagnosis using imaging guidance.

When Are Biopsies Needed?

A biopsy is needed when there is a need to evaluate abnormal tissues, masses, or growths to diagnose or rule out diseases, such as:

Cancer Screening or Diagnosis: To check for cancerous or precancerous cells in organs, skin, or tissues.

Infections or Inflammation: To identify causes of unexplained infections or inflammatory conditions.

Chronic Conditions: To evaluate organ damage or diseases like liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders.

Unexplained Symptoms: To investigate persistent symptoms, such as abnormal lumps, bleeding, or pain.

Biopsy Process

Before the Procedure:

Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) are often used to locate the target tissue.

Blood tests may be done to check for clotting issues.

Local anesthesia or sedation is administered, depending on the biopsy type.

During the Procedure:

Needle Biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the tissue to collect a small sample. Guided imaging is often used for precision.

Surgical Biopsy: A small incision is made, and a portion (incisional biopsy) or the entire mass (excisional biopsy) is removed.

Endoscopic Biopsy: An endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is used to access and collect tissue samples from the digestive or respiratory tract.

Skin Biopsy: A small portion of the skin is removed using a scalpel or punch tool.

After the Procedure:

The sample is sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis.

Mild discomfort or swelling may occur, and rest is recommended for recovery.

Results are shared with the patient to determine the next steps for diagnosis or treatment.

Removal of fluid or abscesses from the body, such as in liver abscess drainage or chest fluid drainage.

When Are Drainage Procedures Needed?

Drainage procedures are needed to remove excess fluid, pus, or air from body cavities or tissues to relieve symptoms, treat infections, or prevent complications. They are typically performed in the following conditions:

Abscesses: To remove pus caused by bacterial infections in tissues or organs (e.g., skin abscess, liver abscess).

Pleural Effusion: To drain excess fluid from the pleural cavity (around the lungs) caused by infection, heart failure, or cancer.

Ascites: To remove fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity due to liver disease or cancer.

Empyema: To drain infected fluid or pus from the space between the lung and chest wall.

Hematomas: To relieve pressure by draining blood collections caused by trauma or surgery.

Obstructed Ducts or Organs: To clear blockages in bile ducts, kidneys, or other structures.

Pneumothorax: To remove air trapped in the pleural cavity that causes lung collapse.

Drainage Procedure Process

Before the Procedure:

Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or X-rays are used to locate the fluid, pus, or air.

Blood tests may be conducted to check for clotting issues or infections.

Local anesthesia or sedation is administered to numb the area and ensure patient comfort.

During the Procedure:

Preparation: The skin over the affected area is sterilized.

Needle or Catheter Insertion:

A needle or a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into the targeted area using imaging guidance (ultrasound, CT scan, or fluoroscopy).

For larger fluid collections, a catheter is often left in place to allow continuous drainage.

Drainage: Fluid, pus, or air is removed either through:

Syringe Aspiration: Using a syringe to withdraw the fluid manually.

Continuous Drainage: A catheter connected to a drainage bag allows fluid or air to exit over time.

In cases like pleural effusion or ascites, larger volumes of fluid may be drained gradually to avoid complications like sudden drops in blood pressure.

After the Procedure:

The drainage site is cleaned, bandaged, and monitored for signs of infection or leakage.

If a catheter is left in place, instructions for care are provided to ensure proper drainage.

Pain medications or antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on the condition.

Follow-up imaging may be done to confirm successful drainage and ensure no fluid has reaccumulated.

Delivers chemotherapy directly to a tumor while blocking its blood supply, used in treating liver cancer.

When is Chemoembolization Needed?

Chemoembolization is a treatment option primarily used for patients with liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HCC) or metastatic cancers that have spread to the liver. It is also used in certain other cancers where blood vessels supply the tumor. The procedure combines chemotherapy with embolization (blocking blood vessels) to treat cancer by delivering concentrated chemotherapy directly to the tumor while cutting off its blood supply. Chemoembolization is typically needed when:

Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma - HCC):

When the cancer is not amenable to surgery or when surgery is not an option.

For tumors that are inoperable or too large to remove completely.

When the cancer has spread to the liver but is localized (not widespread to other parts of the body).

Metastatic Cancers:

Cancers that have spread to the liver, such as colorectal cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, or breast cancer, where localized treatment is required to control the disease.

Palliative Care:

In patients with advanced or inoperable liver cancer, chemoembolization can help relieve symptoms like pain, bleeding, or organ failure.

Chemoembolization Process

Before the Procedure:

Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, and/or angiograms are performed to locate and assess the size, number, and blood supply of the tumor(s).

Blood Tests: These are done to evaluate liver function and overall health.

Sedation and Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or conscious sedation is used to numb the area and keep the patient comfortable. Some cases may require general anesthesia.

During the Procedure:

Accessing the Artery:

A catheter (thin tube) is inserted into an artery, typically through a small incision in the groin, using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance).

The catheter is carefully threaded through the blood vessels to reach the liver’s arteries that supply the tumor.

Embolization:

Once the catheter is in place, a special material (usually small beads or coils) is injected to embolize (block) the blood vessels feeding the tumor.

This deprives the tumor of oxygen and nutrients, effectively starving the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy Delivery:

After embolization, chemotherapy drugs are released directly into the blood supply of the tumor.

These drugs work to kill cancer cells in the localized area while minimizing exposure to the rest of the body.

After the Procedure:

Monitoring:

Patients are monitored in a recovery room for several hours after the procedure.

Vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure) are closely monitored to ensure the body is responding well.

Post-Procedure Care:

Pain medications and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.

Some patients experience a low-grade fever, nausea, or abdominal pain, which is common after the procedure.