vascular procedures2

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Thoracic Aortogram

Clinical trials such as the STARZ-TX2 are currently underway at select medical facilities around the nation studying endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Instead of making a large incision in the chest, the vascular surgeon along with an interventional radiologist, makes a small incision near each hip to access the blood vessels. Through these small incisions in the groin, the endovascular graft is inserted into the arteries and positioned into the thoracic aorta at the site of the aneurysm.

Less invasive placement of vena cava filter - this filter is placed within the inferior vena cava in the abdomen, via a puncture in the groin under x-ray guidance. This procedure is performed on patients who are unable to be placed on anti-coagulation medications like heparin to prevent clots (pulmonary emboli) from traveling to the lungs. This filter sits within the inferior vena cava and filters blood as it returns through the lungs to potentially catch clots. This less invasive vascular procedure can be performed in the Interventional Radiology department or at the patient's bedside.

Vena Cava Filter

3D MRA angio of pelvic vasculature

MRA angiogram is 3D radiological exam to evaluate the integrity of the vasculature of a particular region of the body. Shown on the left is an MRA of the pelvic/ abdominal vasculature such as the abdominal aorta. This is a very good screening tool to view potential clots, aneurysms or disections in these vital areas. If a clot is seen, special catheters are inserted in the groin under xray guidance. Once the area is reached, medication that can dissolve clots is injected through the catheter directly to the area or it can be mechanically removed with specialized devices.