What Does An Endovascular Radiologist Treat?

If you or a loved one has been referred to an endovascular radiologist, you may be wondering what they do and what types of conditions they treat. Here’s a quick look at endovascular radiology and the conditions an endovascular radiologist typically treats.

What Is Endovascular Radiology?

Endovascular radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the blood vessels and arteries of the body. Endovascular radiology procedures are usually performed using imaging technology such as X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans to guide tiny instruments or catheters through the blood vessels to the site of the problem.

What Conditions Do Endovascular Radiologists Treat?

Knowledgeable interventional radiologist Israel endovascular specialists are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions using minimally invasive techniques. Some of the most common conditions treated by endovascular radiologists include:

1. Aneurysms. An aneurysm is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel that causes it to bulge and potentially rupture. Endovascular radiologists can treat aneurysms by placing a stent graft, which reinforces the weakened area and prevents it from rupturing.
2. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD is a condition that causes narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs, arms, or pelvis. Endovascular radiologists can perform angioplasty or stenting procedures to widen the blocked arteries and restore blood flow.
3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Endovascular radiologists can place a catheter directly into the clot to remove it or dissolve it with medication.
4. Varicose Veins. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are visible under the skin. Endovascular radiologists can treat varicose veins with minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to close the vein, or sclerotherapy, which injects a solution into the vein to make it collapse.
5. Stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, usually due to a blood clot or a burst blood vessel. Endovascular radiologists can perform mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure in which a catheter is used to remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain.
6. Liver Cancer. Endovascular radiologists can use a procedure called chemoembolization to treat liver cancer. This procedure involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels that supply the tumor, which can help shrink the tumor and improve symptoms.
7. Kidney Cancer. Endovascular radiologists can use a procedure called renal artery embolization to treat kidney cancer. This procedure involves blocking the blood vessels that supply the tumor, which can help shrink the tumor and reduce symptoms.

What Are the Most Common Procedures Done by Endovascular Radiologists?

Some of the most common procedures performed by endovascular radiologists include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Angioplasty
2. Stent Placement
3. Embolization
4. Thrombectomy
5. Ablation

By using minimally invasive techniques, endovascular radiologists can provide patients with less pain, faster recovery times, and fewer complications than traditional surgery. If you suspect you or someone you know might have a condition that could benefit from endovascular radiology treatment, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about your options.