PROCEDURES AND EXAMS

Angiography is a type of x-ray that is done to image blood vessels in various parts of the body, to determine whether the vessels are diseased, narrowed, enlarged or blocked.  (exam prep)

Angioplasty and Vascular Stenting
(Vascular Stenting, Angioplasty)

The angioplasty procedure is performed to improve blood flow in the body's arteries.  A balloon-tipped catheter threads through the artery to the narrow or blocked portion where a balloon is inflated to open the vessel.  Vascular stenting, is  the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent in the newly opened artery.  A stent is a permanent device that is left in the artery to maintain the open position after the angioplasty. (exam prep)

Arthography
(Joint x-ray)

The radiographic examination of a joint after the injection of contrast material or air to outline the soft tissue and joint structures on the images. (exam prep)

Barium Enema
(BE)

Small amounts  of radiation are passed through the body so that x-ray images can be taken to determine abnormal or blocked movement in the body's lower GI tract. (exam prep)

Cardiac Nuclear Medicine

Cardiac nuclear medicine refers to these diagnostic tests that are used to examine the anatomy and function fo the heart. (exam prep)

Catheter Embolization
(Embolization, Catheter)

Embolization is a way of closing one or more blood vessels that are doing more harm than good. (exam prep)

Chemoembolization
(Embolization, Chemo)

Chemoembolization is a way of delivering cancer treatment directly to the tumor.  Chemoembolization works to attack the cancer in two ways.  First, it delivers a very high concentration of chemotherapy directly into the tumor.  Second, the procedure cuts off blood supply to the tumor, and trapping the drugs at the tumor site to enable them to be more effective. (exam prep)

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
(Angiogram, CT)
(Angography, CT)
(CAT Scan (CT) - Angiography)

CT angiography is an examination to visualize blood flow in arterial vessels.   CTA is a much less invasive and more patient-friendly procedure-contrast material is injected into a peripheral vein rather than an artery. (exam prep)

Cystourethrogram

A catheter is inserted through the urethra, and the bladder is filled with contrast material.  After the catheter is withcrawn x-ray images are captured as the patient empties the bladder. (exam prep)

Detachable Coil Embolization
(Coil Embolization)
(Embolization, Detachable Coil)

An interventional neuroradiologist insurts a tube, called a catheter, into an artery in the leg.  This catheter is then maneuvered through the body to the aneurysm's position.  Once in position, the radiologist places one or more small coils through the catheter into the aneurysm. The body responds by forming a blood clot around the coil that strengthens the weak spot in the artery. (exam prep)

Intravenous Pyelogram
(IVP)

Contrast material is injected into the patient's system, and its progress through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of images.  This enable the radiologist to see kidney and urinary tract function. (exam prep)

Mammography

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination of the breasts.  Under current guidelines all women should have a screening mammogram every year beginning at age 40. (exam prep)

MR Angiography (MRA)
(Angiogram, MR)
(Angiography, MR)
(MRA)

MRA is an MRI study of the blood vessels.  It utilizes MRI technology to detect, diagnose and aid in the treatment of heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessel diseases. (exam prep)

Myelography

Contrast material is injected into the space around the spinal cord and x-rays  are  taken after the injection to demonstrate distortions of the spinal cord. (exam prep)

Needle Biopsy of Lung (Chest) Nodules
(Needle Aspiration)

This biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue for examination by a physician.  A needle is inserted through the skin and the syringe will obtain the tissue sample. (exam prep)

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a diagnostic examinaiton that result in images of body anatomy and function. The images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from the radioactive substance given to the patient. (exam prep)

Radiofrequency Ablation
(RFA)

A special needle electrode is placed in the tumor.  A radiofrequency current  is passed through the electrode to heat the tumor tissue near the needle tip and eliminate it.  (exam prep)

Thrombolysis
(Thrombolytic Therapy)

A treatment that breaks up abnormal blood clots that are restricting blood flow.  (exam prep)

Ultrasound

Also called sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high frequency sound waves. (exam prep)

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
(Biopsy-Breast)

After placing an ultrasound probe over the site of the breast lump , a biopsy needle in placed directly into the mass.  Tissue specimens are then taken. (exam prep)

Upper GI Tract Radiography
(Upper GI)

The patient drinks barium (contrast material), while the barium passes through the upper gastrointestinal tract, x-ray images are taken of the esophagus, stomach and gastrointestinal tract. (exam prep)

Uterine Fibroid Embolization
(UFE)

A catheter is placed in each of the two uterine arteries and small particles are injected to block the arterial branches that supply blood to the fibroids.  (exam prep)

Vascular Access Procedures

A vascular access catheter is a long, thin tube that is placed in a vein in the arm, in the neck or in the chest just beneath the collarbone.  The tube then is threaded into a major vein in the middle of the chest.  (exam prep)

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is used to strengthen a broken vertebra that has been weakened by osteoporosis or, less commonly, cancer.  Vertebrolasty is accomplished by injecting an orthopedic cement mixture through a needle into the fractured bone. (exam prep)

X-ray

Most frequently used form of medical imaging, the easiest way to view and assess broken bones. (exam prep)

X-ray Guided (Sterotactic) Breast Biopsy
(Breast Biopsy)
(Stereotactic Biopsy)

A hallow needle is passed through the skin to the site of the abnormality.  A small sample is taken for examination and final diagnosis to a pathologist. (exam prep)