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The physicians and staff at Crozer-Keystone Health System are committed to providing patients with a quality medical imaging experience. That's the reason we're making it easier than ever for you to request an appointment at any of our imaging facilities.
Choose one of the following:
1. Complete the secure online request form.
A representative will contact you to confirm your appointment the next business day.
2. Call 1-866-5-CK-XRAY (1-866-525-9729). _______________________________________
Interventional Radiology is a growing subspecialty in radiology that combines X-ray and/or ultrasound along with minimally invasive surgical techniques. Interventional radiology is used for diagnostic service such as arteriogram as well as treatment for conditions such as blocked arteries, compression fractures of the spine and fibroids in the uterus.
The imaging suites at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Delaware County Memorial Hospital have a staff of highly trained radiologists, nurses and technologists. Staff members are trained specifically in the use of X-ray and surgical techniques. Procedures are usually completed on an outpatient basis, though some procedures may require an overnight stay. These procedures usually have shorter recovery times and cause less pain than more invasive procedures because there are no large incisions.
Arteriography or Angiography uses a special type of X-ray known as fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy uses X-rays in real time, like a video camera.
Patients arrive in the suite and are placed on an X-ray table. The nurses and technologists work as a team to start an IV and to hook up the patient to heart and blood pressure monitoring equipment. Once the radiologist enters the suite, the area to be injected is cleaned and the physician places guidewires and catheters into an artery or vein until they are close to the area to be viewed. X-ray dye is then injected and the technologists take pictures. The radiologist looks at the pictures and sends a report to the patient’s ordering doctor.
Angioplasty and Stenting of blocked arteries involves the same process as an arteriogram; but after the doctor injects the X-ray dye and reviews the images, they attempt to remove any blockages in the arteries or veins that they see.
The radiologist uses a balloon or a stent to open up the artery or vein so that normal blood flow is restored. A balloon is a catheter with a balloon-type device on it. The radiologist places the balloon in the area with a blockage and pumps air into the balloon. The balloon is then removed, more X-ray dye is injected and more pictures are taken. This procedure can be done multiple times until the blockage is reduced.
Another way to treat a blockage is to use a stent. A stent is basically a catheter with a wire mesh on the end. The radiologist places the stent in the area of blockage and expands it. The stent remains in the artery to reduce the blockage and restore normal blood flow.
Vertebroplasty uses a special cement to treat a patient with a compression fracture of the spine. The patient experience during vetebroplasty is very similar to the experience during an arteriogram. However, the physician places a needle into the area of the spine that has been determined to have a compression fracture. The physician then injects a special cement into the vertebra, filling in the gaps.
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Schedule An Appointment or Request Additional Information During Normal Business Hours:
Crozer-Chester Medical Center: 610-447-2590
Delaware County Memorial Hospital: 610-284-8311
Taylor Hospital:
610-595-6465
Crozer Medical Plaza at Brinton Lake: 610-579-3500 |
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