The rapidly evolving field of interventional oncology has become a cornerstone of cancer treatment, along with medical, surgical and radiation oncology. The interventional oncology program at Ruge Vascular Center uses targeted, minimally invasive procedures performed with the help of image guidance to diagnose, treat and/or relieve the symptoms of cancer.
Cancer patients are usually referred to an interventional oncologist to integrate minimally invasive treatments, whenever possible, with the goal of reducing the need for invasive surgeries. Interventional oncologists may also perform diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopies or endoscopies. At our center we use the most advanced treatment methods to diagnose and treat cancer and other conditions without resorting to major surgery like:
Hepatocellular carcinoma – TACE/TARE
Transarterial embolization (TAE) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are two widely used locoregional therapies in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for unresectable intermediate and advanced HCCs
Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are treatments that use image guidance to place a needle through the skin into a tumor. In RFA, high-frequency electrical currents are passed through an electrode in the needle, creating a small region of heat.
PTBD/Billary stenting
PTBD and stenting offer a safe and effective method in providing palliative treatment for patients with biliary obstruction. Patients likely to have high levels of morbidity and mortality can be predicted before PTBD, using an risk stratification score, highlighting the need for closer clinical observation and delayed stent placement.
Transjugular Intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS)
A shunt is an artificial passage which allows fluid to move from one part of your body to another. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) connects the vein which brings blood from your gastrointestinal tract and intra-abdominal organs to your liver, and the vein from your liver to the right part of your heart.The interventional radiologist will carry out the procedure using fluoroscopy and ultrasound for guidance.