QEII Talks with Dr. Rob Berry: Interventional radiology suites

Summary

The video highlights the transformative field of interventional radiology (IR), showcasing how minimally invasive procedures guided by advanced imaging equipment offer faster recovery and fewer complications for patients. The Halifax Infirmary’s newly renovated IR center features state-of-the-art technology, including angiography units and CT fluoroscopy, to perform a wide range of procedures from stroke treatment to cancer care. The team, consisting of interventional radiologists, nurses, technologists, and support staff, works collaboratively to ensure patient comfort and efficient care. The facility also adapted quickly to COVID-19, ensuring patient safety while maintaining high-quality procedures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interventional radiology uses imaging equipment to guide minimally invasive procedures, reducing the need for large incisions.
• 😀 Patients recover faster and with fewer complications due to the minimally invasive nature of interventional radiology procedures.
• 😀 The goal of interventional radiology is to be 'hard on diseases' like cancer but 'easy on patients' by reducing the physical impact of treatments.
• 😀 The new interventional radiology center at the Halifax Infirmary offers advanced features, including four procedure rooms and an 11-space recovery area.
• 😀 Interventional radiology can treat a variety of conditions, from acute strokes to diabetic foot ulcers, using minimally invasive techniques.
• 😀 Specialized imaging equipment, like angiography units and mobile C-arms, allows precise navigation for procedures in the body.
• 😀 CT fluoroscopy helps interventional radiologists guide needles to tumors with high precision, reducing risks and speeding up procedures.
• 😀 The interventional radiology team is composed of specialists including radiologists, technologists, nurses, and inventory managers, working together to ensure patient care.
• 😀 The expansion of interventional radiology capacity in 2025, with new rooms and equipment, will help reduce patient wait times and increase procedure volume.
• 😀 The team’s ability to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the formation of a task force and split teams, ensured continuous care while following safety protocols.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between traditional surgery and interventional radiology?

Traditional surgery involves making an incision to directly visualize and treat an issue, while interventional radiology uses imaging equipment to guide minimally invasive procedures, often requiring only a tiny incision.

How does interventional radiology benefit patients compared to traditional surgery?

Interventional radiology allows for faster recovery, less risk of complications, and less invasive procedures, leading to a more comfortable and safer experience for the patient.

Can you explain the process a patient follows when they arrive at the interventional radiology center?

After registering, patients walk to the interventional radiology center, change in a designated room, and are then brought to a recovery area. When the procedure room is ready, they move to one of the procedure rooms for their treatment.

What types of procedures can be performed in interventional radiology?

Interventional radiology covers a wide range of procedures, including treatments for stroke, diabetic ulcers, bleeding from trauma, cancer treatments, and more, all guided by imaging equipment like X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound.

How does interventional neuroradiology treat acute strokes?

In cases of acute stroke caused by a blood clot, interventional neuroradiologists can use a catheter from the groin to remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain, potentially saving the patient from severe consequences.

How can interventional radiology prevent amputations in diabetic patients?

In diabetic patients with poor circulation, interventional radiologists can use imaging to identify blockages in arteries and use techniques like balloon angioplasty to restore blood flow, helping wounds heal and preventing amputations.

What role does the angiography unit play in interventional radiology?

The angiography unit uses X-ray to visualize the body’s internal structures and guide the insertion of medical devices, such as stents or balloons, to treat conditions like blockages or bleeding.

What is the purpose of the mobile C-arm in interventional radiology?

The mobile C-arm is a portable X-ray machine used during procedures to visualize blood vessels and other internal structures, ensuring precise placement of devices like catheters and stents.

How does CT fluoroscopy assist in cancer treatment in interventional radiology?

CT fluoroscopy provides real-time imaging that allows interventional radiologists to guide needles accurately into tumors, enabling treatments such as tumor ablation with heat to kill cancer cells.

How did the interventional radiology department adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During COVID-19, the interventional radiology department created a COVID preparedness task force to adapt to new guidelines and implemented measures like separating teams to maintain operations and continue providing care for patients.