Interventional Radiologists are physicians who specialize in minimally invasive procedures to diagnose or treat disease.  These specialists use images guidance (X-rays, Computes tomography or Ultrasound) to guided them.  These procedures are typically much less invasive than traditional treatment options.   Several common interventional procedures performed at Cayuga Medical Center are listed below:

Angiography – An X-ray exam of the arteries.  A small tube or catheter is directed into the blood vessel and a contrast agent (X-ray dye) is injected in order to make the vessel visible

Central Venous Access – In this procedure a small tube is placed into the blood vessel under ultrasound guidance so as to allow patients to receive nutrients or medications.  These catheters (tubes) can also be used for drawing blood.

Needle Biopsies – This is a very common procedure performed at Cayuga Medical Center and a diagnostic test that is often an alternative to surgical biopsy.  In this procedure a small needle, or alternatively a core biopsy needle, is used sample tiny pieces of tissue which are then sent to a pathologist.  Needle biopsies are frequently used to biopsy the breast, thyroid gland, lung, or liver.

Abscess Drainage – Localized infections identified on Computer Tomography (CT) scans can often be treated by inserting a small catheter into the collection.  The fluid can then be drained out through the catheter.  CT or ultrasound is assists in placing these catheters.

There are many other similar procedures performed at Cayuga Medical Center.  Ask your doctor about these procedures.