Gone are the days when getting the care you need meant days of being confined to a hospital bed and long recovery times. Today, advancements in medical technology have brought about minimally invasive procedures that have revolutionized how we diagnose and treat conditions. This incredible field is known as Interventional Radiology.
Interventional Radiology is a medical specialty that uses advanced imaging equipment, such as radiographs and ultrasound, to guide catheters and other small instruments through the body’s vascular network.
There are countless advantages to this type of approach, including:
This field has now become so mainstream that it is being recognized and preferred by many celebrities and public figures. The following cases highlight the efficacy of minimally invasive procedures and their potential to save and improve lives for patients worldwide.
The British royal family is normally tight-lipped about personal issues, but when the Palace recently disclosed that King Charles had undergone a minimally invasive procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it shone a bright light on the effectiveness of our field.
BPH is a common condition that affects many men later in life, and the traditional surgery for it can be problematic - not to mention the associated risks like erectile dysfunction. But there’s a better solution: Prostate Artery Embolization - an innovative treatment that is less painful, less invasive, and less risky.
Plus, PAE can be done on an outpatient basis and offers a fast recovery. King Charles was back to his duties in a matter of days after the procedure with no reported complications.
Renowned sports broadcaster Bob Costas also underwent a PAE procedure in 2019 to treat his enlarged prostate. Costas revealed that he had been dealing with symptoms for several years and was hesitant to undergo traditional surgery due to the terrifying risks and side effects. After researching available procedures, he opted for PAE and was pleased with the outcome.
Likewise, Gary LeVox (lead singer of the country music group Rascal Flatts) underwent a PAE procedure in 2016 to treat the same condition. LeVox credited the procedure with improving his quality of life, saying, “I’ve got my life back.”
Supermodel Cindy Crawford has been open about the success of her procedure to treat varicose veins. In 2019, she underwent an endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) - a procedure that uses a laser to heat and close off the affected vein.
Crawford revealed that before the procedure, she felt self-conscious about her veins, even wearing pants in the summer to avoid showing them. However, after the procedure, she was back to wearing skirts and shorts, feeling more confident than ever.
Actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg has also undergone an interventional radiology procedure for varicose veins. Her procedure involved inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a very small incision. A device at the end of the catheter sends out radiofrequency energy, sealing the problematic veins shut.
Both procedures are done under local anesthesia and require minimal recovery time, and patients can go back to their routine activities the same day.
Actress Olivia Newton-John has battled breast cancer three times, and in 2019, she revealed her latest fight with stage-four metastatic cancer. To combat it, she opted for a unique cancer treatment called Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).
This procedure uses radio waves to destroy cancer cells and is a minimally invasive option for those who are not suitable candidates for traditional surgery. Newton-John shared that after the treatment, her tumor markers had significantly decreased, giving her much greater comfort in her final days.
Larry King's lung cancer is another popular case in which he underwent a minimally invasive procedure to make a diagnosis. The procedure known as Navigational Bronchoscopy is an IR procedure that allows physicians to visualize lesions in the lungs and obtain a biopsy sample without conventional surgery.
With the guidance of imaging equipment, small instruments can traverse the airways and into the lungs. King successfully had the diagnosis of lung cancer and was able to have prompt and effective treatment.
Kyra Phillips, CNN correspondent, underwent Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure to treat her uterine fibroids. These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy and painful menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility.
UFE involves injecting tiny particles into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids, cutting off their blood supply and causing them to shrink. Kyra shared her experience:
"I was back to work within a week with minimal discomfort. It was amazing how easy and quick the procedure was." - Kyra Phillips, CNN Correspondent.
Comedian London Hughes also underwent treatment for uterine fibroids and endometriosis, as did former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice - proving just how widespread this condition really is. Both women have since used their platforms to raise awareness about this condition, educating supporters and fans on the symptoms and encouraging regular health screenings.
In 2018, former First Lady Melania Trump underwent a Renal Angiomyolipoma Embolization to treat a benign (non-cancerous) tumor on her kidney. Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that involves cutting off the blood supply to a tumor, thereby causing it to shrink.
According to a statement released by the White House following the procedure, the experience was successful with no complications, allowing Trump to resume her normal activities with minimal downtime.
These stories are just a handful of successes brought about by the wonders of interventional radiology. This incredible field - which offers short recovery times, less pain compared to open surgery, and no major incisions - is the future of medicine, allowing patients to get the care they need without major pain or downtime.
Our team at Vascular and Interventional Partners has been named the best in Arizona and is renowned for being at the forefront of new technology, procedures, and patient care. Just check out what our patients have to say:
“Wow, usually I am skeptical of medical clinics with such incredible reviews because of my past experience. But Dr. Mehta and his team were incredible. I’ve never had a medical office care about my medical anxiety in the ways that they did.” - Andrea M.
“Best care I have ever received.” - Jeff S.
“I have never been treated in such a caring way by any other medical group as I was treated at (Vascular and Interventional Partners) in Scottsdale. Wonderful people! Thank you, thank you!” - M.C.
If you or someone you love can benefit from one of the incredible procedures listed here, schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options! Together, we’ll develop a custom treatment plan to get you back on your feet in no time - and in better health.
