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Programs & Services
Intervention Radiology
Specially-trained radiologists insert a catheter (narrow small tube), needle, and/or other small instruments through the blood vessels, spine, or other pathways to diagnose or treat disease through the skin.
Interventional Radiology uses fluoroscopy (x-ray) or ultrasound to “see” inside the body, to ensure that your procedure is safe and accurate.
Faster Recovery
Interventional procedures are “minimally invasive” procedures. This typically means less pain, risk and recovery time for patients.
Biopsies and Drainages
Biopsies are medical tests performed by interventional radiologists to gather more information on a lump or mass, or other abnormal condition in the body. We also offer interventional drainage for removal of fluid from organs (e.g. nephrostomy) and other body systems.
Fine Needle Biopsy (FNB)
A fine needle biopsy (FNB) is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate tissue for abnormal cells, disease, cancer, or infection. A common type of FNB is a fine needle aspiration (FNA), which removes fluid and cells through a syringe attached to the needle.
The procedure for FNA and FNB is basically the same, and they are sometimes done together. Fine needle biopsies can be obtained from organs, soft tissues or tumors in many parts of the body including: breast, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate, thyroid, ovary or lymph nodes.
Before Your Procedure
- Most blood thinners should be stopped 48 hours prior to the procedure depending upon your medication. Contact your doctor prior to discontinuing any medications.
- Bring prior x-rays or scans with you to your exam, if instructed.
- Please notify the staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to verify your registration.
During the Procedure
- A local anesthetic is used to numb area where the needle will be inserted. Sedative medication may also be used.
- The doctor will position you for easiest access to the area for biopsy.
- The skin will be swabbed with a cleaning solution and may be draped with surgical towels.
- A thin, hollow needle will be inserted through the skin to the biopsy site.
- The needle may be inserted more than once for positioning, or to obtain multiple samples.
- Once the needle is in the proper position, tissue or fluid will be withdrawn for examination.
- You may feel a pinch, pressure, or nothing at all.
Time Required
A biopsy can take anywhere from a few minutes to 30-90 minute for a deeper biopsy requiring CT or ultrasound guidance.
After the Procedure
- Depending on where the biopsy was taken you may be monitored for bleeding or other complications.
- The site will be bandaged and you will be given follow-up instructions.