How is it used for venous disease?
Our interventional radiologists are experts in using minimally invasive techniques and advanced imaging to diagnose and treat painful diseases involving veins.
Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment option for patients experiencing pain or disease in the veins running through their body to arms, legs, and various organs. Using advanced imaging, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, interventional radiologists are able to guide and deliver precise treatment through a thin tube called a catheter.
Our interventional radiologists diagnose and treat a variety of venous diseases, including:
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Abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the lungs (arteriovenous malformations)
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Abnormally functioning veins in the legs (varicose veins)
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Blood clots in the legs (deep venous thrombosis)
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Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
We also perform:
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Placement of filter devices to prevent blood clots to lungs
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Removal of placed filter devices when no longer needed
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Reopening of blocked veins from previous clots, filter devices, or medical devices
Patients who undergo interventional radiology procedures to repair venous diseases experience less pain and risk of complications than traditional surgery since most procedures only require a tiny incision. Patients will also receive a sedative instead of general anesthesia, so most patients are able to go home the same day of their procedure.
Interventional radiology for venous disease treatments
From placing and removing inferior vena cava (IVC) filters at our Filter Clinics to treating varicose veins, our interventional radiologists use advanced techniques to remove blood clots, improve blood flow, and alleviate painful symptoms, such as aching, swelling, and ulcers.
Learn more about the interventional radiology treatment options for venous disease offered at MedStar Health below.
Adrenal vein sampling
Adrenal vein sampling can help diagnose endocrine disorders in patients with high blood pressure. During an adrenal vein sampling, your interventional radiologist will take blood samples from your adrenal glands to determine which gland is overactive. Information from the blood samples can help to guide treatment between surgery or therapy.
Central venous catheter placement
When you’re affected by certain diseases that require long-term intravenous nutrition or medications, you may benefit from a central venous catheter placement. A central venous catheter placement allows for easy, direct venous access for temporary or permanent nutritional or medicinal support.
Inferior vena cava filter placement and removal
MedStar’s interventional radiologists have extensive experience with inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and removal for patients who have or are at risk of developing blood clots in the legs. At our IVC Filter Clinics, we provide IVC filter placement and removal to treat deep vein thrombosis and reduce the life-threatening risk of pulmonary embolism.
Varicose vein treatment
Though not often a serious medical condition, varicose veins are often unsightly and may cause pain and often limit one's activities. Treating the veins can improve the appearance and health of the legs. At MedStar Health, our interventional radiologists are experts at performing minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation to effectively treat varicose veins.
Venous recanalization
When you develop deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in the leg veins, our interventional radiologists may perform venous recanalization. As a minimally invasive procedure, venous recanalization breaks down clots and restores blood flow to veins that have been blocked with less pain and complications than traditional surgery.
Our providers
Expert interventional radiology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our interventional radiologists.
Our locations
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MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Harbor Hospital
3001 S. Hanover St. Baltimore, MD 21225
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 E. University Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC, 20007
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Rd. Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
MedStar St Mary's Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650