Interventional Radiology

Philip A. Adler, MD

What is an interventional radiologist? An interventional radiologist is a board certified physician who specializes in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology. What do they do? Interventional radiologists perform targeted procedures while using imaging devices such as x-ray or ultrasound to guide them during the process. Considered “minimally invasive,” IR procedures have lower risk, less pain and shorter recovery time compared to open surgery. Common interventional procedures . What are the benefits? Because interventional radiology replaces the traditional tools of the trade – i.e., scalpels – with imaging-based procedures that are more precise and less intrusive, patients benefit from:   • smaller incisions   • little or no anesthesia   • much less cutting of skin, muscle or other tissues     • shorter hospital stays

Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing area of medicine that utilizes the many advancements made in medicine in recent years. Interventional radiologists specialize in performing medical procedures using imaging equipment such as X-rays, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose and treat disease. IRs are board certified radiologists that are fellowship-trained in percutaneous interventions using guided imaging. Their specialized training is certified by the America Board of Medical Specialties.

Under the guidance of Philip A. Adler, MD, Chief of Interventional Radiology,  St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center, offers a full range of interventional radiology services. Certified by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiology, along with holding a Certificate of Added Qualification in Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Dr. Adler currently specializes in minimally invasive, image-guided diagnostic and therapeutic treatments in the following areas.

Vascular Services

• Arteriography and venography, angioplasty/stenting
• Arterial and venous thrombolysis, thrombectomy and embolization
• Vascular foreign body retrieval
• IVC filter replacement
• Venous access, including vascular ports, tunneled PICCS catheters

Tumor Treatments

• Uterine fibroid emboilization (UFE)
• Chemoembolization for hepatic neoplastic disease
• Radiofrequency and alcohol ablation of lesions
• CT or US guided biopsies (and drainages)

Back Pain Management

• Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, IDET
• Pain management fluoroscopic procedures: epidural, facette, sacroiliac and other large or small joint injections

Other Services

• Peritoneal or pleural catheter placement
• Transjugular liver biopsy
• Percutaneous gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy placement
• Percutaneous nephromstomy and biliary interventions