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Interventional Radiology

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Instruction Manual

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Scott Trerotola, MD
Chief, Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Professor of Radiology and Surgery
for physicians/staff Protocols & Lab Guidelines
intranet only Radiology Handbook

The Interventional Radiology Division offers the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases using minimally invasive techniques. Many conditions that previously required traditional open surgery can now be treated with small catheters or other devices guided by radiologic imaging, allowing for a faster recovery, and a less costly procedure. The IR division has an active outpatient clinic and consulting service as well as an inpatient admitting service. The IR Division at Penn has considerable depth of expertise, performing more than 10,000 procedures annually. More than half of them are therapeutic, covering every aspect of the field.

Procedures include:

• angioplasty and stenting for Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Uterine Artery Embolization for uterine fibroids
• Arterial Chemoembolization and Radiofrequency Ablation for the treatment of liver cancer
• Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts (TIPS)
• abscess management
• biliary interventions
• gastric tube placement
• percutaneous introduction of central venous catheters and ports for the infusion of chemotherapeutic agents and dialysis
• Hemodialysis Access
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• Renal Artery Stenosis
• Varicocele Embolization

In addition, there is an active stent graft program for the treatment of aortic aneurysms. Our facilities include four fully equipped digital Siemens angio/interventional suites, ultrasound machines, spiral CT scanners, and intravascular ultrasound. We participate in many active clinical research protocols and are currently enrolling patients.

What is an Interventional Radiologist?

Interventional Radiology is a medical specialty that uses image-guided, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment techniques that are often an alternative to surgery. Interventional radiologists are highly trained in imaging, radiation safety, the performance of medical procedures, and patient management. Interventional radiologists treat diseases using small catheters or other devices and tools guided by radiologic imaging. Procedures performed by interventional radiologists are generally less costly and are less traumatic to the patient, involving smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter hospital stays. Your interventional radiologist will work closely with your primary care or other physician to be sure you receive the best possible care.

More Information:

Ask a Penn doctor your question about Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

Read Information on Home Care Catheters.

Download Consent Forms for Interventional Radiology Procedures in PDF format

Preparing for Appointments

Interventional Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses x-ray guidance to diagnose and treat diseases in a minimally invasive fashion through a very small nick in the skin. In order for your procedure to go smoothly, and to avoid delay or postponement of your procedure, we ask that you carefully review the requirements for your procedure listed below. In addition, it is important for you to understand that because of the nature of Interventional Radiology procedures we cannot always predict with certainty exactly what time your procedure will occur. In general, you will be assigned either to a morning or afternoon slot, but you should arrive at the hospital prepared to spend the whole day if necessary. Plan ahead; bring something to read or otherwise occupy your waiting time if necessary.

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT YOUR VISIT TO INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY:

1. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day prior to your procedure. This is so that we can give you sedation medicine as needed. You should take your regular medications and may take small sips of water to wash them down. If you do not follow these instructions, your procedure may need to be cancelled or postponed.
2. Please make arrangements to have someone drive you home after your procedure. This is so that we can give you sedation medicine to make your procedure more comfortable. If you do not have a driver, your procedure may need to be cancelled or postponed.
3. If you have an allergy to radiographic contrast ("x-ray dye") please call Interventional Radiology (215-662-4034) to make arrangements for special medication to take before the procedure. In general, allergy to radiographic contrast will not postpone or delay your procedure if appropriate arrangements are made ahead of time.
4. If you are taking blood thinners (Coumadin, Lovenox, etc.) please call Interventional Radiology (215-662-4034) to discuss temporary discontinuation of these agents. Failure to do so will cause your procedure to be delayed or postponed.
5. If you have had any blood work done within one month of your planned procedure, please make arrangements to have the results forwarded to Interventional Radiology (Fax number 215-662-7110). Having this information prior to your procedure is essential and can help expedite the process.
6. If your insurance company requires pre-certification for your procedure, it must be obtained before the day of the procedure or it will be postponed. Your doctor's office can help you in obtaining this pre-certification if necessary.
7. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Interventional Radiology (215-662-4034) and ask to speak with one of the nurses or physicians. In addition, an Interventional Radiology nurse will be calling you the day before your procedure to discuss it with you. If your phone has been disconnected, your number recently changed or you will not be available the day before the procedure, please call us to make arrangements for this telephone conversation.
   
   Your cooperation with the above guidelines will be greatly appreciated and will help toward our goal of making your procedure go smoothly and on time. We look forward to your visit to PENN Interventional Radiology.
   

Scheduling

Radiology appointments are made, either by the referring physician's office, or by the patient, directly. Interventional Radiology Scheduling can be reached at (215) 615-4135.

If you (the patient) scheduled the appointment, you will need to bring the referring physician's prescription (signature) to the examination.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, call:

(215) 662-3064 for Neuro-Interventional procedures

(215) 615-4135 for other Interventional procedures.

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