Now you can call them too!
Interventional Radiology (IR) has been around for over half a century, although few people other than doctors have heard about these endovascular specialists who perform minimally invasive treatment options. Interventional Radiologists are specialized doctors dedicated to analyzing medical images and using them to perform image-guided non-surgical procedures through a very small incision typically in the groin area or wrist.
Interventional Radiologists use these methods to diagnose, treat, and cure a variety of medical conditions including uterine fibroids, enlarged prostates, peripheral arterial disease, and even liver cancer.
Top reasons why doctors routinely refer patients to Interventional Radiologists:
- Most patients prefer the choice of being treated with non-surgical, minimally invasive techniques rather than open surgery.
- Primary Care Physicians, podiatrists, oncologists, and other doctors believe the condition can be resolved through endovascular intervention with higher patient satisfaction.
- Endovascular procedures are often safer, less painful, and require far less recovery time than surgery, especially for patients with other health issues.
- These treatments are often less expensive than traditional surgery and can be done in an outpatient setting.
- Regulating blood flow can treat many conditions. The vascular system feeds every organ meaning blood flow often plays an inherent role in treating the root cause of the condition.
Why do doctors refer to Interventional Radiologists?
Doctors routinely refer to IR’s for diagnosis and treatment of patients who may be experiencing a variety of issues. This includes leg pain or numbness that may indicate Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), trouble urinating (a condition caused by an enlarged prostate), venous issues, severe menstrual/pelvic pain, and excessive bleeding.
Our doctors at ECCO Medical are Colorado’s most experienced Interventional Radiologists. As endovascular specialists, they are trained in performing procedures that treat disease without surgery. Thanks to the evolution of modern medical imaging capabilities, IR’s can navigate the vascular system to perform these specialized procedures. They treat the problem by using techniques to open clogged veins and arteries. If too much blood flow is causing the condition, they inject microscopic embolic beads to restrict the blood flow.
These non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments can treat a wide variety of conditions. ECCO Medical Interventional Radiologist Dr. Aaron Kovaleski has performed hundreds of endovascular procedures. Dr. Kovaleski says, “This often creates life-changing results for patients who suffer from PAD, BPH, uterine fibroids, knee pain, and other venous issues without the need to be cut open.”
When should I see an IR doctor?
Symptoms can vary depending on each medical issue, but here is a quick example of one woman who was glad she was referred to an Interventional Radiologist.
Our patient Diane Gum came to us when she noticed she had little energy and trouble dancing and walking up the stairs comfortably. Eventually, two of her toes turned a dark color and made it impossible to walk.
“So I went to my foot doctor and she told me, ‘I think you need to see somebody about circulation because you’re not having any circulation,’” said Diane Gum about her experience being referred to Dr. Koveleski for PAD treatment. “I didn’t even know what his specialty was.”
Now Diane is able to go back to her passion for square dancing without any pain.
WATCH DIANE GUM’S FULL TESTIMONIAL VIDEO
Should I ask my doctor for a referral to an Interventional Radiologist?
Treating disease without surgery may have sounded like science fiction back in the day. But thanks to the evolution of medicine, patients are learning it’s the best alternative to surgery for conditions that can be treated through the vascular system.
Patients need to be their own best advocates. If you believe you could benefit from an endovascular treatment then please explore our services to learn more.
Additionally, talk to your doctor about endovascular treatments at ECCO Medical or contact us HERE. Our expert physicians will help you determine which treatment option is right for you.
ECCO Medical – 8080 Park Meadows Dr. Suite 150, Lone Tree, CO 80124
