Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology (also known as IR) is the minimally invasive, image-guided treatment of medical conditions that once required open surgery. This is one of the fastest-growing fields in human medicine, and IR procedures are now routinely performed for a wide variety of conditions.

The main advantage of this minimally invasive approach to treating diseases is the shorter hospital stays, decreased pain, and a more rapid return to function.

An increasing number of the techniques used in human patients have been adapted for dogs and cats that have previously had limited or no therapeutic options.

VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital is 1 of 7 hospitals in the USA to have an integrated operating room (Storz OR1), which allows multiple imaging modalities (endoscopy, CT, fluoroscopy, ultrasound) to be displayed on multiple monitors simultaneously.

IR uses fluoroscopic image-guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures. These images are like roadmaps that permit the clinician to guide instruments such as catheters and guide wires through the body gain access to different body part for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.

Interventional Endoscopy (IE) utilizes advanced endoscopic techniques with other contemporary imaging modalities, such as fluoroscopy and/or ultrasound, which provides alternatives for patients in which conventional therapies are not indicated, or associated with excessive morbidity or mortality.

Dr. Galvao and Dr. Otoni (Internal Medicine specialists) have developed and run the Interventional Radiology and Interventional Endoscopy Service at VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois.

If you have any questions regarding Interventional Radiology and Interventional Endoscopy, please give us a call, we are happy to discuss patients that may benefit from these techniques.