Category: Interventional radiology

Catheterization has been a crucial medical procedure for centuries, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient times for purposes like urinary relief. Today, modern technology distinguishes catheterization by its level of precision, with the primary question being: **What is the difference between selective and non selective catheters?**

The most common cause for ascites in the United States is alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and for these patients, determining who performs the paracentesis procedure is a key question for managing their care. While different specialists may be involved, the procedure can be performed safely by any clinician who has received proper training.

According to Penn Medicine, embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to treat diseases without requiring major open surgery. While it is a serious medical intervention, the term “surgery” typically implies an open procedure with a large incision, which is not the case for embolization. Understanding this distinction is crucial for patients considering their treatment options.

Minimally invasive procedures represent a significant advancement in modern medicine, offering reduced recovery times and less trauma. A classic example of a percutaneous approach is a coronary angioplasty, where access is gained through a small skin puncture to treat a blocked artery.

Medical advancements have revolutionized patient care by introducing less invasive techniques. One key area is interventional procedures, which utilize advanced imaging to treat diseases. To clarify this for many, it's important to understand what **is an example of an interventional procedure?**

According to a 2023 study published in the journal *Circulation*, over 1.2 million percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), a procedure that often involves a stent, were performed in the US. The procedures may sound similar, but a key distinction helps clarify medical treatments. The question, **Is a stent the same as a drain?**, is vital for understanding your own care.

Embolization procedures boast impressive success rates, with some reports showing technical success approaching 100% and clinical success exceeding 85% for specific conditions. This minimally invasive treatment is an effective method for controlling bleeding and treating a variety of medical issues.

Minimally invasive embolization procedures are considered a medical advancement, providing an alternative to traditional surgery for many conditions. Understanding how an embolization procedure is done can help demystify this common interventional radiology treatment.

Originally developed in 1953, the Seldinger technique represents a pivotal advancement in minimally invasive procedures, reducing patient risk and discomfort. The modern Seldinger technique incorporates key refinements and tools, such as ultrasound guidance, to further increase accuracy and safety for vascular access.

The Seldinger technique is a foundational medical procedure, with modern applications dating back to its introduction by Dr. Sven Ivar Seldinger in 1953. This minimally invasive method provides safe access to blood vessels and hollow organs, but what are the steps of the Seldinger procedure?