Our Interventional Radiology section consists currently of 4 specialty-trained radiologists. We provide service to both Deaconess Main Campus and Deaconess Gateway. Some of the services we currently provide include:

Percutaneous vascular procedures, such as:

• Dialysis access management
• Venous access
• Portacath placement
• Vena cava filter placement
• Arterial and venous angioplasty and stenting
• Arterial and venous embolization
• Chemoembolization
• Cryoablation

Percutaneous non-vascular procedures, such as:

• Image-guided biopsies
• Image-guided drainage procedures
• Compression fracture augmentation/Kyphoplasty
• Percutaneous Nephrostomy
• Ureteral Stenting
• Transhepatic cholangiogram
• Biliary stenting

All Interventional Radiology physicians also offer kyphoplasties for the treatment of vertebral fractures.

New Options Available To Treat Spinal Fractures From Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis, in which bones become fragile and easily broken, causes over 700,000 spinal fractures annually in the U.S.-more fractures than in the hip and wrist combined. Approximately two-thirds of all spinal fractures go undiagnosed or untreated due to the absence of symptoms or difficulty determining the cause of symptoms, leading some to call osteoporosis a “silent disease.”

Since 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men older than 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime and bone loss can begin as early as 30, now is the time to take a closer look at osteoporosis and new options for treating fractures caused by osteoporosis. Through proper diagnosis and treatment, patients with spinal fractures can significantly improve their ability to perform normal activities of daily living and enjoy an overall improvement in their quality of life.

With osteoporosis, bones in our spine, hip and wrist deteriorate and become susceptible to fractures. In the spine, small fractures lead to compression of the vertebral body (called vertebral compression fractures or VCFs). Left untreated, these VCFs create a curvature of the spine, sometimes referred to as “dowager’s hump.” Over time, this curvature can become more pronounced, painful and debilitating.

What options are there if I have a spinal fracture?

Traditional treatments for spinal fractures include extended bed rest, pain medication and back braces, all of which can relieve pain but do not address the deformity caused by the fracture. Open surgery is also an option, but it is more invasive than non-surgical management and is typically reserved for patients with neurological complications.

Balloon Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, is designed to treat the fracture and restore the vertebra to the correct position. Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to significantly reduce back pain, correct spinal deformity and improve quality of life.

How is Balloon Kyphoplasty performed?

Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a spine specialist. It can be performed using either a local or general anesthesia. It typically takes about one hour to treat each fracture and may require an overnight hospital stay.

Does insurance cover Balloon Kyphoplasty?

In most cases, Medicare provides coverage for Kyphoplasty. Other insurance may also provide coverage. Check with your insurance carrier or doctor to find out about coverage.

What can Balloon Kyphoplasty do for me if I have a spinal fracture?

If you have a spinal fracture, Balloon Kyphoplasty can restore vertebral body height, significantly reduce back pain and increase mobility, often shortly after the procedure. In addition to pain reduction, patients experience an increased ability to return to such simple, everyday activities as walking, reaching, bending and lifting. Patients also report improved mental health, vitality, social function and emotional health.

For more information on specific procedures performed by our interventional radiologists, please refer to: radiologyinfo.org.