Interventional Radiology Procedures
Thoracentesis and Paracentesis
Paracentesis and thoracentesis are procedures to remove abnormal fluid accumulations in the abdominal and chest cavities, respectively. For decreased risk of damage to other organs during the procedure, we use ultrasound guidance for all of these procedures. Certain illnesses or conditions cause an excess of fluid to build up, which makes it hard to breathe. Thoracentesis is a procedure to draw out the extra fluid to help you breathe easier. An ultrasound guides our interventional radiologist to find the right place to insert the needle, then the area is numbed and the fluid in your lungs is removed. The procedure takes about 15 minutes at our outpatient center in Flower Mound, TX.
Ultrasound Guided Biopsy
Ultrasound Guided Biopsy is a minimally-invasive diagnostic test for liver, kidney, salivary gland, lymph node, and other superficial soft tissue masses where a very small sample of tissue is obtained through a needle for pathologic analysis. This is an alternative to more invasive surgical biopsy, which requires an incision to be made.
Fluoroscopically Guided Bone Marrow Biopsy
When a bone marrow sample is needed, this is often obtained from the posterior iliac crest (posterior hip). This can be done without imaging guidance, but it is often more painful when done this way, since the anesthetic may not be delivered to exactly the same location as the biopsy site. A sub-optimal specimen can also obtained more often without imaging guidance. By using fluoroscopy (real-time X-rays) to guide the anesthetic and the biopsy needle to just the right location, the biopsy can be performed with less discomfort, and often a better specimen can be obtained.
For more information or to request an appointment please call (972) 619-7260.