Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology is Veterinary Medicine’s newest speciality. It aims to treat various conditions in a non-invasive or minimally invasive manner, often utilizing our state-of-the-art OEC 8800 Fluoroscopy system. Fluoroscopy is essentially an x-ray video of your pet that can be used to guide intravascular or intraluminally placed guidewires for the placement self expanding Nitinol Stents.
Tracheal Collapse
Background:
Tracheal Collapse is a condition primarily affecting small and toy breed dogs affecting the structurally supporting cartilaginous rings of the trachea. The progressive softening of these cartilage rings leads to collapse of the trachea and narrowing of the lumen. This often causes a classically recognizable “goose-honk” type cough, decreased exercise tolerance, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment:
Tracheal collapse is treated without the need for any incisions. A self expanding Nitinol (mixture of Nickel & Titanium) Stent is advanced into the trachea under fluoroscopic guidance, the stent is then expanded into position. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and most patients can go home the same day.
If your pet is suffering from Tracheal Collapse, schedule a consult with our Internal Medicine Specialist today to discuss if your pet is a candidate for Tracheal Stenting.
Urethral/Bladder/Prostate Tumors
Background:
Urethral obstruction and inability to urinate can be due to many reasons. Tumors affecting the urethra, urinary bladder, and prostate are frequently associated with straining and difficulty urinating due to growth of the tumor either filling and obstructing the urethral lumen, or its growth compressing and narrowing the urethra.
Treatment:
The majority of the time these tumors cannot be surgically removed so they are treated medically. A urethral obstruction can however be quickly life threatening. Urethral Stenting provides immediate relief from obstruction with the placement of a self expanding Nitinol Stent within the urethra under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure requires no incisions, and can be completed in under 30 minutes, and many patients can go home the same day
If your pet has been diagnosed with a urethral, bladder, or prostate tumor causing urethral obstruction – schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons today to discuss how this technology can provide your pet with immediate comfort and relief from urethral obstruction.
