Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology which utilizes catheters and other non surgical techniques for diagnosing and treating a variety of disorders. Interventional services provided by Northlake Radiology Consultants include:

• Urinary Tract Intervention
• Biliary Tract Intervention
• Image Guided Biopsy/Drainage
• Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

These procedures are performed on both an in and outpatient basis. Preparation generally consists of routine bloodwork prior to the procedure, and nothing by mouth after midnight the night before. In patients with a history of x-ray dye or iodine allergy, pre-medication is generally necessary. Patients who take glucophage for diabetes will be asked to withhold the medication for 48 hours after the procedure.

Computed tomography is an imaging modality which combines the use of x-rays with special computers in order to produce highly detailed images of the body's tissues and internal organs.

The examination entails laying on a table which then passes through a gantry (large circular opening which houses the x-ray source) for several minutes. It may be necessary, depending on the part of the body being examined, to have an IV placed so that contrast (x-ray dye) can be administered. For CT Scans of the abdomen, oral contrast is often necessary as well. The oral contrast can be picked up prior to the procedure at the time of registration, or the morning of the procedure if the test is scheduled for later in the day.

Prep:

1. Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam (except medication).
2. If there is a history of Iodine or contrast allergy, a three day course of premedication with oral steroids is necessary. Please notify your physician of any such allergies.
3. If you take glucophage, you will be directed to withhold the medication for 48 hours following completion of the procedure.

Diagnostic Radiology (routine x-rays) requires no preparation. If you are a female of child bearing age, be sure to notify the technologist if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, as with any other procedure involving x-rays.

Fluoroscopy is the real-time assessment of a particular organ or system usually following the administration of an oral or intravenous contrast agent.

Esophagrams, upper GI's, and small bowel series are x-ray tests involving the ingestion of barium in order to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the colon.

Prep: Nothing by mouth after midnight (except medications) the night before the test Barium enemas involve filling the colon with contrast through a catheter placed in the rectum in order to evaluate for tumors, inflammatory processes, and other abnormalities.

Prep: Clear liquid diet beginning at noon the day prior to the test. Drink one bottle of Mag Citrate. At approximately 6pm, drink one bottle Mag Citrate and take two dulcolax tablets. At 10pm, take two more dulcolax. Try to drink one eight ounce glass of water each hour beginning at noon the day prior to the procedure.

IVP is a type of radiographic exam where X-ray dye is injected into the bloodstream and subsequent x-rays of the kidneys/ urinary tract are obtained.

Prep: Same as for Barium enema. As with any x-ray test, notify the technologist if you may be pregnant, or if you are taking glucophage for diabetes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI) and Open MRI. MRI is a highly sophiscated imaging modality whereby a magnetic field is used to temporarily realign atoms in the human body. The data that is compiled as the atoms return to their normal alignment is then processed and used to generate highly detailed images.

As with computed tomography, patients lie on a table which transports them through a circular opening and into the MRI scanner. For those patients who are claustrophobic, examinations can be scheduled at our Open MRI unit at MD Imaging, just down the street from Slidell Memorial Hospital. Also, examinations can be performed following IV sedation for those patients with claustrophobia or with difficulty in lying flat for an extended period of time.

Prep: None necessary.

In mammography, the breasts are compressed and special x-rays are taken at different angles. The American College of Radiology recommends yearly screening mammograms beginning at age 40, as this can result in the early detection of cancer and improved outcome.

We offer both screening and diagnostic mammography. Screening studies are for the assymptomatic patient, where four standard images are obtained. Diagnostic mammograms consist of special views targeted to a specific area and are performed on patients who have a complaint such as a lump, nipple discharge, or an abnormal screening mammogram.

All mammograms are interpreted by a board certified radiologist. Reports are immediately sent to referral physicians, and patients are notified by mail of the results and any further recommendations.

Prep:

1. No deodorant, powder, or perfume on the day of the mammogram, as these can cause film artifacts.
2. If your most recent mammogram was at another facility, it should be obtained and brought with you so that comparisons can be made.

Nuclear Medicine is a subspecialty of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to image the body and treat certain diseases is a safe and efficient manner. Different radiopharmaceuticals are utilized to target certain organ systems or disease processes. These agents emit gamma rays which can be detected by special cameras and with the help of computers, used to create images.

In most cases, the amount of radiation exposure is similar to that of a standard x-ray. Some of the more common nuclear medicine procedures are listed below. Bone Scan-This is performed to evaluate disease processes affecting the skeleton. These include, but are not limited to pain, trauma, metastatic disease (spread of tumors), arthritis, and infections.

Ventilation/Perfusion Scan-Two different agents are utilized in order to evaluate for pulmonary emboli, or the migration of blood clots to the lungs.

Hepatobiliary Scan-This test is primarily used for diagnosing cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. This is usually, but not always, performed on patients with gallstones. This test also provides data on liver function.

Thyroid Scan-Oral agents are administered the day prior to imaging. This procedure is utilized in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, as well as hyper or hypothyroidism.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan-This is used in the assessment for suspected coronary artery disease. It is usually performed in 2 stages, with the imaging agent injected both at rest and after stress (either by exercise or certain medications). The stress exam is performed under the supervision of a cardiologist. There are many other applications for nuclear imaging. For additional information and specific prep's, please contact our imaging department at (985) 649-8545.

In oncology PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanning, the patient is given an injection of a radioactive glucose analogue that gives off particles called positrons which are detected by the PET scanner. Positron emission is highest in cancer cells that burn glucose at unusually high rates and therefore this technique can detect certain kinds of cancers such as those from breast, colon, ovary, head/neck, lung, and melanomas, among others. PET Scan is also used to follow response to treatment and to modify treatment if necessary. The PET Scan images are "fused" to CAT Scan images to pinpoint the precise location of cancer. PET Scans also have applications for imaging certain conditions of the brain and heart.

Prep: For oncology PET exams, patients should be NPO (no oral intake except water) for 6 hours prior to the scan. May drink water to be well hydrated and take any necessary medications with water. Limit carbohydrate intake during the last meal and refrain from exercise for 24-48 hours prior to the exam. Diabetic patients should call the department for specific instructions.

Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive procedure which utilizes hi frequency sound waves emitted via a hand-held transducer in order to evaluate the body's internal organs. Most people associate ultrasound with pregnancy. While this is a common indication, ultrasound is very effective in other areas including the abdomen, pelvis, blood vessels, thyroid gland, breasts, and even the brain in newborns.

Preps: Abdomen-nothing by mouth after midnight Pelvic/Obstetric-drink 4 glasses of water 1 hour prior to the procedure, do not urinate until after the exam.

Arthrography is a technique in which contrast is injected directly into the joint in question by the radiologist and images (x-ray, CAT scan, or MRI) are obtained. This procedure is performed when a highly detailed evaluation of the joint is necessary. The shoulder, hip, wrist, elbow, and ankle are often evaluated in this manner. Arthrography is performed using sterile technique and local anesthesia, with little or no patient discomfort.

Myelography is performed to diagnose disc herniations, as well as other causes for spinal canal narrowing or nerve compression. After local anesthesia is administered, a small needle is advanced into the fluid space within the spinal canal. X-ray dye is then injected. Subsequent x-rays, as well as a CAT scan are performed. This procedure can be performed with same day discharge or with an overnight hospital stay.

Vertebroplasty is a new and exciting technique utilized for treating painful compression fractures in the back. Fractures in the spine, whether caused by osteoporosis or trauma, can cause chronic and intense, even debilitating pain. Until recently, treatment was primarily limited to strong pain medications, reduced activity, and external bracing. Now, this new, minimally invasive technique offers patients a promising alternative to a life of bedrest. The image-guided procedures entails injecting bone cement into the collapsed vertebra, which stabilizes bone fragments and helps prevent continued fracturing at the same level. Most patients are pain-free within 6-12 hours following the procedure.