Pediatric vascular and interventional radiology

Our interventional radiologists are fellowship trained, board-certified physicians, meaning they’ve undergone additional training and have passed additional exams showing their medical knowledge. They are specially trained to perform advanced procedures with minimally invasive techniques by using advanced imaging guidance and special devices. 

Our interventional radiologists use state-of-the-art suites for minimally invasive procedures, such as catheter-based angiography and fluoroscopy guided procedures. These procedures use a dye or contrast allowing our doctors to better examine, diagnose and treat medical conditions in real time. Many procedures are also performed under ultrasound guidance with no risk of radiation exposure.  

Interventional radiologists work hand-in-hand with many pediatric specialists, including surgeons and pediatric cancer specialists.

Why choose Geisinger for pediatric vascular and interventional radiology?

• Advanced imaging: We offer the latest in image-guided technology to precisely place flexible tubes (catheters) and other devices (Mediport) used in interventional radiology. Our team can also use other image-guided technologies, such as CT scan, ultrasound and MRI, to deliver medication to an area of the body or perform minimally invasive procedures rather than surgery. 
• Child-friendly sedation: Our pediatric sedation team works closely with our interventional radiologists to help sedate your child. The pediatric sedation team will be present throughout the procedure to ensure the comfort and safety of your child..
• Specialty procedures: Our interventional radiologists perform a number of less invasive procedures to help children avoid surgery:
  
  • Ablation: A technique of tissue destruction by thermal injury (heat-microwave or radiofrequency ablation; cold-cryoablation) primarily performed for tumors in the bones, liver and kidney. This can be done under imaging guidance through the skin in a minimally invasive manner.
  • Angiogram: This diagnostic X-ray test uses contrast dye to look at the arteries and veins and study the anatomy and detect any abnormality. They can also detect bleeding and sometimes are able to stop the bleeding (embolization) at the time of the angiogram. 
  • Biopsy: A thin needle is guided into an organ to collect tissue samples and test them for cancer or infection. This procedure maximizes the chance of good tissue sampling and reduce surgical complications.
  • Clot therapy: A clot-dissolving (thrombolytic) medicine is injected into blood vessels or delivered through a catheter to break open a clot.
  • Drainage: Allows efficient placement of special tubes (catheters) that remove abnormal fluid or infected material (abscess) from the body.
  • Embolization: When necessary to have blood flow stopped to a specific area, such as an arteriovenous malformation, tumor or bleeding, interventional radiologists place catheters directly into an artery or vein to deliver special medicine or devices to stop blood flow. This therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to target tumors.
  • Feeding tube (gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy catheter): An interventional radiologist inserts a feeding tube through the abdominal wall into the stomach when it is needed for long term treatment. They also place the longer extension tubes with the tip in the small intestine when indicated.
  • PICC line and port placement: Interventional radiologists insert a catheter or special device (Mediport) into your child’s vein. This can be used to deliver fluid, medication and nutrition over a long period.