Tumor Ablation Therapies for Cancer (e.g. Radiofrequency heat ablation, Cryoablation):
Radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive method that uses thermal energy to destroy tumor cells. Initially computed tomography or ultrasound is performed to locate the tumor. A special needle is introduced into the tumor using direct image guidance. This is equivalent to a standard needle biopsy. The needle is attached to a radiofrequency generator. The generator sends radiofrequency through the needle, which generates heat from frictional movement of ions. The heat destroys the tumor cells.
Endo-venous Ablation of Varicose Veins: This minimally-invasive treatment is an outpatient procedure performed using imaging guidance. After applying local anesthetic to the vein, the interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter into the vein and guides it up the great saphenous vein in the thigh. Then laser or radiofrequency energy is applied to the inside of the vein. This heats the vein and seals the vein closed.
Chemoembolization of liver cancer – Delivers cancer-fighting medications directly to the site of a cancer tumor. Primarily used to treat liver cancers but also used in malignant melanoma.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization: UFE is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroid tumors in the uterus. In a uterine fibroid embolization procedure, physicians use image guidance to place a synthetic material called an embolic agent inside one or more of the blood vessels that supply the fibroid tumors with blood. As a result, these vessels become occluded, or closed off, and the fibroid tissue shrinks. In most cases, symptoms are relieved.
Needle biopsy - a small needle is inserted into the abnormal area in almost any part of the body, guided by imaging techniques, to obtain a tissue biopsy. This type of biopsy can provide a diagnosis without surgical intervention. An example of this procedure is called the needle breast biopsy.
Varicocele embolization: A treatment for "varicose veins" in the scrotum, which can cause male infertility and pain.
Vertebroplasty: A pain treatment for fractured vertebra in which medical-grade bone cement is injected into the vertebra.
Biliary drainage and stenting: Uses a stent (small mesh tube) to open up blocked ducts and allow bile to drain from the liver.
Angioplasty - the use of a small balloon on the tip of a catheter inserted into a bloodvessel to open up an area of blockage inside the vessel.
Gastrostomy tubes - a gastrostomy tube (feeding tube) is inserted into the stomach if the patient is unable to take food by mouth.
Embolization - the insertion of a substance through a catheter into a blood vessel to stop hemorrhaging, or excessive bleeding or to occlude blood supply of a tumor.
Stent placement - a tiny, expandable coil, called a stent, is placed inside a blood vessel at the site of a blockage. The stent is expanded to open up the blockage.
Blood clot filters - a small filter is inserted into a blood clot to catch and break up blood clots.
Catheters insertions - a catheter is inserted into large veins for giving chemotherapy drugs, nutritional support, and hemodialysis. A catheter may also be inserted prior to bone-marrow transplantation.
Foreign body extraction - the use of a catheter inserted into a blood vessel to retrieve a foreign body in the vessel.