- Emergency CareIn our last [blog post], we met Mr. Papelbon, a patient who came to MIIGS after an emergency room visit for an ulceration on his foot. After a consultation with a MIIGS specialist, it was determined that Mr. Papelbon was suffering from a venous ulcer caused by an underlying vascular insufficiency. Read on below to follow Mr. Papelbon’s course of treatment and recovery.
- Pelvic Pain
- Diabetes Care
- UltrasoundThe only way to confirm or deny the presence of cancerous cells is by taking a small sample of the suspicious tissue. MIIGS offers state-of-the-art breast biopsy services that promise little to no pain. During the procedure, X-ray, ultrasound or computerized tomography guidance allows your doctor – one of our board-certified interventional radiologists – to insert a fine needle into the mass. The needle draws a tiny cell sample that a pathologist can use to determine whether the cells need further treatment or are simply benign.Â
- MRIFor an MRI of the breast, magnets and radio waves photograph cross-sections of the area and then assemble the “slices†to provide a detailed picture of all the vessels and ducts in the breast. A contrast dye often provides the best resolution, and the scan usually takes about an hour. While an MRI image alone cannot confirm or deny the presence of cancerous cells, medical professionals advise selecting a facility that is familiar with the procedure and equipped to perform an immediate follow-up biopsy to complete the diagnosis.
- RadiologyAccording to the Society of Interventional Radiology, more than 30 million Americans suffer from venous insufficiency – decreased blood flow from the legs to the heart. By age 50, one out of every two adults experiences varicose veins, with damaged or weakened valves allowing blood to pool or reflux instead of flowing back to the heart for oxygen and other nutrients. Unfortunately, the majority suffer in silence, waiting for a physician referral that may come only after life-threatening complications appear.
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyMIIGS doctors use a variety of less invasive methods, such as computed tomography (CT) angiography and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. In addition, catheter angiography is also performed on patients who may undergo surgery, angioplasty, or stent placement. After passing a catheter through an artery leading to the body area of interest, contrast material is injected into the arteries in order to highlight the vessels when X-rays are taken. If an area of narrowing or blockage is seen this can be treated using minimally invasive technique such as angioplasty and/or stent placement.
- ChemotherapyMany methods of minimally invasive therapy have been tried in recent years to eliminate tumors in organs like the liver, lungs or kidneys. One of the most promising is called radiofrequency ablation, sometimes referred to as RFA. RFA is indicated in patients with inoperable tumors and patients who are poor surgical candidates and in patients who have failed chemotherapy or attempts at initial surgical resection. Other therapies we provide include embolizations of tumors in which chemotherapy agents are directly injected into tumors through the bloodstream.
- Radiation Therapy
- Interventional RadiologyInterventional Radiology techniques are an advance in medicine that often replace open surgical procedures and are typically much less invasive.
- General Surgery
- GangreneMIIGS offers peripheral vascular disease (PVD) treatment in Alexandria, La., and surrounding areas. PVD treatment with MIIGS is minimally invasive and can prevent life-changing events, even at later stages. PVD, also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is a very common condition affecting 12-20% of Americans age 65 or older. Â PVD develops most commonly as a result of atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries," which occurs when cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming a substance called plaque inside the arteries. This plaque narrows and clogs the arteries and is a very serious condition. The clogged arteries cause decreased blood flow to the legs, which can result in pain when walking and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to gangrene and possible amputation.Â
- HysterectomyFibroid tumors are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular walls of the uterus. Usually occurring in women age 35 and older, fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure and abnormally enlarged abdomen. They are usually discovered during a gynecological exam and treatment can range from prescription hormones to a surgical procedure called myomectomy. Other cases may require a hysterectomy.
- Ulcer
- Physical TherapyDuring a typical procedure, the physician inserts a needle into the body, using fluoroscopy for guidance. After a contrast dye is injected to confirm the needle's location, the solution is injected. The patient may feel varying amounts of pressure due to the volume of solution used. After the treatment is completed, the patient is observed for up to thirty minutes before being allowed to go home. The pain relief gained from these injections is meant to allow patients to participate in physical therapy treatments that can help resolve their back issues.Â
- Back Pain