Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat urinary symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PAE helps to shrink the prostate and improve urination. PAE has a far lower risk of urinary incontinence or sexual side effects and is a great alternative to more invasive surgical procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Most patient’s symptoms improve within days, and recovery typically takes less than a week. The procedure is outpatient and requires no overnight hospital stay.
Artery Cholesterol Removal
In this procedure, called an atherectomy, a small catheter is inserted into the blood vessel and used to remove built-up plaque. Atherectomy is an especially useful procedure for treating hard-to-reach, smaller vessels that are not easily treated using a stent. This procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthetic. Most patients may resume exercise and driving within a few days.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop from the uterine muscle. Uterine fibroids require blood to grow and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) takes advantage of this fact. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require the removal of the uterus or ovaries. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a small incision (size of a paper-cut) in the leg and guided up the arteries to the uterus that supplies blood to the fibroids. Small beads are then inserted into the arteries restricting blood flow and causing the fibroids to shrink. Most women are back to work and light activity within a few days.
Kyphoplasty: Spine Vertebral Fractures
Osteoporosis frequently causes compression fractures of the spine. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are the most effective minimally invasive treatments for this condition. A special instrument with a deflated balloon is inserted into the fracture and carefully inflated to create a cavity within the fracture. Bone cement is then injected into the void space which hardens quickly to strengthen and reshape the vertebrae. This procedure relieves pain and helps stabilize the spine. Pain relief is often felt immediately after the procedure and patients can quickly return to normal daily activity.
TIPS (Liver Shunt Procedure)
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure used to treat portal hypertension. A small incision (size of a small paper cut) is made in the neck to access the internal jugular vein. A catheter is then inserted into the vein and carefully guided to the liver where an artificial conduit/tunnel is created to improve blood flow through the liver. This helps to decrease bleeding and ascites (fluid build up in the belly). Most patients are discharged and able to go home the next day.
Varicose Vein Laser Treatment
Laser vein treatment takes less than an hour and can be performed right in our office. Patients feel little to no discomfort during or after treatment, and most feel a dramatic improvement in their legs right away. Your doctor will create a very small incision in the leg to access affected veins. A small catheter made of laser fiber is then inserted into the vein and used to deliver a highly concentrated beam of light to the affected tissue to close off the bulging vein. This treatment is a wonderful alternative to painful and more invasive traditional surgery.
Y90 Liver Tumor Treatment
Y90 therapy kills liver cancer from the inside by injecting millions of tiny radioactive beads right into the the tumor cells. It is minimally invasive and requires no overnight stay. This treatment causes less discomfort and is tolerated well by patients. There is no hair loss or other side effects that occur with chemotherapy.
Tumor Thermal Ablation
Ablation is a fancy term for ‘burning’ or ‘freezing’ a tumor. This can be used for liver cancer or kidney tumors. It can also be used for benign tumors. The ablation needles are inserted into the tumor under CT guidance. Under temperature monitoring, the tumors are then burned or frozen. The selection of heat or cold depends on the location of the tumor. Many patients are discharged the same day and enjoy a rapid return to daily activities.