What is an interventional radiologist?
Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. Lakeland Vascular Institute’s interventional radiologists offer the most in-depth knowledge of the least invasive treatments available coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience across all specialties. They use X-rays, MRI and other imaging to advance a catheter in the body, usually in an artery, to treat at the source of the disease non-surgically. As the inventors of angioplasty and the catheter-delivered stent, which were first used in the legs to treat peripheral arterial disease, interventional radiologists pioneered minimally invasive modern medicine. Call Lakeland Vascular Institute today at (863) 577-0316 to learn more about our board-certified interventional radiologists.
What is a vascular surgeon?
A vascular surgeon is a doctor who has undergone additional subspecialty training in treating disease of the vascular system. Comprised of the arteries and veins within the body, vascular disease typically refers to all of the blood vessels that are not within the heart and brain. These specialists perform both traditional surgery and minimally invasive (endoscopic) catheter-based procedures where disease is treated from within the body. Vascular surgeons treat a wide range of health conditions, from varicose veins to aneurysms and chronic conditions such as peripheral artery disease. Call Lakeland Vascular Institute today at (863) 577-0316 to learn more about our Lakeland-based vascular surgeons and the procedures they perform.
Are interventional procedures covered by insurance?
Coverage policies vary from insurance carrier to insurance carrier but interventional radiology procedures are typically covered by insurance carriers. However, some cutting edge procedures may still be viewed by the insurance carrier as “experimental and investigational” and these services need special consideration. Let us help you find the insurance answers you need! Call us today at (863) 577-0316.
Typically, how long do interventional procedures take?
It depends entirely on the procedure being performed. Some interventional procedures can take less than 15 minutes while others can take as long as several hours. This will be discussed with you during the pre-op consultation.
Are interventional procedures painful?
Interventional procedures are non-painful. The pain that can occur with interventional procedures is controlled with a combination of conscious sedation (medication given to a patient who remains awake) and local anesthetics.
Will I be put to sleep?
Most procedures are performed with local numbing medicine at the location in the skin where the catheter or needle enters the body. Often, sedation medicine is given through an IV to make patients more comfortable and relaxed, but not put them to sleep.
Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital?
One advantage of the minimally invasive approach used by interventional radiologists is that most procedures can be completed without requiring overnight admission into the hospital. Most procedures do not require admissions longer than 23 hours for observation. Some exceptions apply depending on the procedure and the general health status of the patient. Many procedures may be performed at our Lakeland Vascular Institute’s Outpatient Center, a state-of-the-art facility and surgery center: https://www.lvioutpatientcenter.com/
Should I take my daily medications?
You should take your scheduled morning medication(s) with a sip of water prior to coming to the hospital. There are a few exceptions that will be discussed during your pre-op consultation.
Contact Lakeland Vascular Institute:
If you have other questions that aren’t answered here, please give us a call. We encourage all of our patients to come in for a consultation to determine if an interventional radiology procedure is best for them. This is also an excellent time to get all of your questions answered! Call Lakeland Vascular Institute at (863) 577-0316. We serve patients in Central Florida including Lakeland, Plant City, Haines City, Winter Haven and Kissimmee, Florida.