Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology: The Future of Minimally Invasive Medical Treatment
Introduction Interventional Radiology (IR) is an advanced medical specialty that uses minimally invasive techniques and advanced medical imaging technology to diagnose and treat various health conditions.
This innovative medical treatment approach offers patients several key benefits, including reduced recovery time, decreased pain and risk, and more cost-efficient procedures.
With technological advancements continuing to drive the growth of interventional radiology, the future looks bright for this exciting and highly impactful medical specialty.
Interventional Radiologists (IR) – What They Do
Euracare is proud to have two of West Africa’s leading experts in IR, Dr. Hammed Ninalowo and Dr. Benjamin Sarkodie, who are at the forefront of providing exceptional care to patients using this specialized treatment method.
Dr Hammed Ninalowo, is a US-trained Vascular and Interventional Radiologist who completed his training at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania and is the first US-trained Physician to offer the full spectrum of interventional Radiology services in Nigeria.
Dr. Benjamin Sarkodie is a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and is Euracare Ghana’s Medical Director and Head of Radiology. Dr. Benjamin was the first Interventional Radiologist in Ghana.
The minimally invasive nature of IR reduces recovery duration, pain, and medical risk to patients who typically require conventional “open surgery.” With continuous technological advancement, the treatments IR can successfully perform are advancing and expanding.
Interventional Radiology is performed by an Interventional Radiologist, who uses medical imaging technology to guide a catheter or other small instruments through the body to the treatment area.
The Interventional Radiologist then performs the procedure while monitoring the real-time images of the treatment area, ensuring maximum precision and accuracy.
Procedures carried out by Interventional Radiologists
Interventional Radiologists perform a number of procedures. These including:
- Blocked Fallopian tubes
- Closed vessels
- Malignant tumors: lungs and liver cancer
- Fibroid embolization
- Non-healing ulcers on diabetic patient’s legs
- Angiography
- Angioplasty
- Stenting
- Thromboly
- Embolization of GI bleeds
- Ablation
- Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt- TIPS
- Image-guided Biopsy
- Venous Access
- Gastrointestinal Interventions
- Hepatobiliary Interventions
- Gynaecologic Intervention
- Genitourinary Interventions
- Arterial and Venous Interventions
- Dialysis Access Intervention
- Musculoskeletal Interventions
- Interventional Oncology
- Pain Management
- Lymphatic Interventions
Equipment used for interventional radiology procedures
Interventional Radiology procedures require advanced medical imaging technology and specialized equipment to ensure accuracy and precision. Some of the kits are:
- X-ray machines
- CT scanners
- MRI machines
- Ultrasound machines
These technologies and equipment allow Interventional Radiologists to perform complex procedures with optimal efficiency and minimal risk to the patient.
Overall Interventional Radiology is a cost-efficient and minimally invasive method of treating various health conditions. With advanced medical imaging technology and specialized equipment, Interventional Radiologists can provide patients with safe and effective treatments that minimize the risks associated with traditional open surgery. If you are suffering from any of the afore-mentioned conditions listed above, visit our website to book an appointment or get in touch with one of our IR specialists.
What can it treat
Interventional Radiology can treat:
- Narrowing/expanding of arteries
- Bleeding (haemorrhage)
- Blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism, PE)
- Dilated veins (varicose veins)
- Non-healing ulcers on diabetic patient’s legs
- Blocked veins
- Tumour therapies
- Uterine fibroids
- Kidney/gall stones
If you’re suffering from any of these diseases or require an expert diagnosis, visit our website to book an appointment or get in touch with one of our IR specialists.
Dr Hammed Ninalowo (Euracare Nigeria): +234 700 3872 2273
Dr Benjamin Dabo Sarkodie (Euracare Ghana): +233 500 809 024
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Interventional Radiology is a minimally invasive procedure with a lower risk of complications than traditional surgery. With advanced medical imaging and equipment, IR has become a safe and effective treatment method.
Answer: Interventional Radiology is designed to cause minimal discomfort to the patient. Most IR procedures do not require general anesthesia or local anesthesia, instead mild sedation is used. This makes the procedure less painful and less stressful for the patient.
Answer: The length of an Interventional Radiology procedure depends on the complexity of the procedure. Most IR procedures are completed within a few hours, and the patient can go home the same day. This makes IR a convenient and efficient option for many patients.
World Parkinson’s Day is April 11th
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological movement disorder. Common symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, stiff muscles, unsteady walking and balance, and coordination problems. The symptoms vary widely amongst individuals. Although there is no cure for the disease, there is a treatment that improves the quality of life and helps the person living with PD cope with the changes the body undergoes.
The disease usually starts out slowly and worsens over time. If you have Parkinson’s disease, you may shake, have muscle stiffness, and have trouble walking and maintaining your balance and coordination. As the disease worsens, you may have trouble talking, and sleeping, have mental and memory problems, experience behavioural changes, and have other symptoms. None of these changes are part of normal aging.
Who gets Parkinson’s disease?
About 50% more men than women get Parkinson’s disease. It is most commonly seen in persons 60 years of age and older. However, up to 10% of patients are diagnosed before age 50. Although very rare, it can occur in young adults and children.
Is Parkinson’s disease inherited?
Generally, Parkinson’s disease is sporadic, i.e. not inherited. There is some belief that some cases of early-onset Parkinson’s disease – disease starting before age 50 – may be inherited
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is based on the clinical exam the doctor performs. There is no test for Parkinson’s disease. Your doctor will however run blood tests and a brain MRI to ensure that there is no other explanation for the symptoms you are experiencing.
World Health Day
7 April is World Health Day. It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
DID YOU KNOW?
*2 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water.
*829 000n peopledie from the diarrhoeal disease every year caused by polluted water and poor sanitation.
*3.6 billion people around the world don’t have safe toilets.
*9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air.
*Air pollution kills 13 people every minute.
*Tobacco kills 600 million trees and more than 8 million people every year.
*Source:WHO
Your protection first! COVID-19 vaccination campaigns are key!
LADMA and Euracare Advanced Diagnostics & Heart Centre organized a vaccination day at the Euracare facility on 30th March; successfully administrating 55 doses + a complimentary vital sign screening…just to ensure you are in great shape!
World is Celebrating Doctor’s Day today.
We would like to take the opportunity and express our sincere gratitude for all the hard work, long hours, exceptional skills, compassion, and dedication you have put into this profession every day.
Thank You!
CFAO OSEIKROM Open House
On the occasion of the CFAO Oseikrom Kumasi Open House on 25th March, Euracare Advanced Diagnostics & Heart Centre proudly partnered with its motors subsidiary whilst conducting over 150 free Health screenings and consultations.
World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day is an annual event, intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, and social aspects.
Not getting enough quality sleep contributes, in the short term, to problems with learning and processing information, and it can have a harmful effect on long-term health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is incredibly common amongst adults, with the vast majority of people reporting insomnia, restless or interrupted sleep.
Lack of sleep may be a result of numerous factors, including stress, anxiety, medical conditions, and personal habits.
Dr Yao Mfodwo is Euracare’s consultant Psychiatrist and Sleep Specialist.
Dr Mfodwo has more than 24 years of work experience in clinical practice and management in general medicine, sleep medicine, and psychiatry.
Specialties:
- Sleep studies
- Managing sleep disorders
- Mental health management
- Drug rehabilitation
- Alcohol rehabilitation
0302 739 390 – enquiries & bookings
WhatsApp +233500809024
World Kidney Day 2022 – Kidney Health for All!
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common and harmful: 1 out of 10 adult people worldwide have it, and if left untreated it can be deadly.
While early detection allows for disease care and management to help prevent morbidity and mortality, the knowledge gap is stifling the fight against kidney disease.
Adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle (access to clean water, exercise, healthy diet, and tobacco control) to maintain good kidney health, preserve kidney function longer in those with CKD, and increase overall general awareness of the importance of kidneys.
- Do you have diabetes?
- Do you have a family member with kidney disease?
- Are you suffering from high blood pressure?
- Are you 60+?
- Do you have heart disease?
- African descent?
- A person can lose up to 80% of their kidney function without experiencing any symptoms.
Book your kidney function test already today!
