Interventional radiologists are uniquely qualified to perform a wide variety of venous access procedures ranging from placement of PICC’s (peripherally inserted central catheters and dialysis catheters) to ports (devices implanted completely under the skin).
Port-a-cath
Port-a-cath is a small medical device implanted under the skin, usually in the chest, providing easy access to a central vein. This device is commonly used for patients undergoing long-term treatments like chemotherapy. At VIR Chicago, our experts ensure precise placement and management of port-a-caths, minimizing discomfort and risk of infection.
PICC Placement
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is a long, thin tube inserted through a vein in the arm and threaded to a large vein near the heart. PICCs are used for prolonged intravenous therapies. Our specialists at VIR Chicago use advanced imaging techniques to place PICC lines accurately, ensuring effective treatment with reduced complications.
A PICC line allows multiple blood draws without repeated vein punctures, and allows safe administration of IV drugs and feedings. The ability to directly image the vessel that is to be accessed increases patient safety, comfort and success rates.
Familiarity with all types of catheters allows the radiologist to customize which access device would be the most appropriate. Interventional radiologists routinely place catheters in patients who have been labeled as having “no veins.” Patients who have had many catheters in the past (especially dialysis patients) may require unique locations for new catheters such as through the liver, chest, or back. Image guidance allows the interventional radiologist to do this safely.
Hickman or Broviac Catheter , PCC Line, Dialysis Catheter, Implantable Ports
Dialysis Access
One of our doctors uses ultrasound guidance for a vascular access procedure. Dialysis patients depend on the maintenance of their catheters, grafts and fistulae. When these malfunction interventional radiologists are the most skilled at restoring their function. VIR Chicago physicians perform hundreds of these lifesaving procedures each year to serve our dialysis community. Angioplasty, thrombolysis (clot removal) and stenting are a few of the image guided tecniques we use.
