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Interventional Ablation Procedures

ImageCare Radiology offers interventional ablation procedures, providing patients with leading-edge treatments in the field of radiology and cancer care. Our team of experts leverages this minimally invasive technique to target various medical conditions effectively.

What is Interventional Ablation?

Interventional ablation is a medical procedure used to destroy abnormal tissue, such as tumors, without the need for traditional surgery. This procedure is performed using imaging guidance to direct small instruments, like needles or catheters, through the skin to the target area. Various energy sources, such as radiofrequency, microwave, or cryotherapy, can be used to eliminate the abnormal cells. Interventional ablation is particularly beneficial for treating certain types of cancers and can offer an alternative to patients who are not candidates for conventional surgery.

What are the Benefits of Interventional Ablation?

The benefits of interventional ablation are numerous, especially when it comes to treating tumors in organs like the liver, kidney, and lungs. This technique is less invasive than traditional surgery, often resulting in less pain and quicker recovery times. It usually requires only a small incision or no incision at all, which minimizes the risk of infection and other complications associated with open surgeries. Patients typically have shorter hospital stays, if they require hospitalization at all, and can return to normal activities more quickly. Moreover, interventional ablation can precisely target and destroy tumors while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue, making it a valuable option for both curative and palliative care.

Digital illustration of a view of a human's upper body with the lungs visible, highlighting tumors within the lung tissue

How Does Interventional Ablation Work?

During an interventional ablation procedure, the radiologist will use imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to guide the ablation instrument to the abnormal tissue. Once in place, energy is delivered through the instrument to heat or freeze the tissue, depending on the ablation method used. This energy application is carefully controlled to ensure only the targeted tissue is affected. During this procedure, the cancer and a small portion of the surrounding organ are destroyed. A small portion of the surrounding organ is included in the treatment to ensure the destruction of the entire cancer.

For example, in radiofrequency ablation, electrical currents produce heat that destroys the abnormal cells. In cryoablation, extreme cold is used to freeze and destroy tissue. The goal of the treatment is to remove the abnormality without the need for more invasive surgical procedures. Post-treatment, the body naturally absorbs the treated tissue over time, or it may form a scar.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or, in some cases, under conscious sedation. Most patients experience little or no pain, leave the hospital the day after surgery, and resume normal activities within days.

Contact Us for Interventional Ablation Treatments

ImageCare Radiology invites patients to explore the option of interventional ablation at the Jefferson location. We understand the impact that a diagnosis can have on a patient’s life and are dedicated to offering treatments that not only aim to treat the condition but also improve the patient’s quality of life.

If you or a loved one requires treatment and are interested in the possibilities that interventional ablation offers, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our compassionate team is ready to provide you with more information, support you through the decision-making process, and help schedule your treatment.

Contact ImageCare Radiology today to schedule an appointment for interventional ablation procedures. Trust in our expertise and commitment to patient care for your treatment needs. Let us provide you with the personalized care and advanced medical treatments you deserve.