Interventional Radiology

Overview

The Interventional Radiologists at Anne Arundel Medical Center provide a wide variety of both invasive and noninvasive procedures evaluating both vascular and nonvascular disease. These include conventional catheter angiography, MR (Magnetic Resonance) angiography, CT (Cat Scan) angiography, venography, angioplasty and stent placement, biopsies, and tumor ablation. In addition to these more common procedures, there are also more complicated drainage procedures and embolizations for tumors and bleeding that are usually performed in a hospital setting.

The large majority of our procedures are performed on a same day outpatient basis. All procedures are performed with nursing supervision that includes the use of conscious sedation and pain relief prior to, during, and following the procedures. The large majority of patients will return home that day with few restrictions, and normal routine the following day. The noninvasive testing uses the latest technology in MR and CT imaging. These are new examinations that are able to duplicate what previously required an invasive catheter study, and are also very useful in patients who have impaired kidney function. Noninvasive imaging is also very useful in screening hypertensive patients for renal artery disease or a variety of other vascular problems. The noninvasive procedures are performed as a routine outpatient visit with IV access required.

Most procedures are performed in conjunction with a referring physician and all of the Interventional Radiologists at Anne Arundel Medical Center are available for consultations or questions from both you and your physician during usual working hours, or through the paging operator at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Procedures are scheduled through a specialized interventional scheduling office at (443) 481-1388.

Physicians

Jason R. Dittrich, MD
Frank Groshek, MD
Elaine Leonor, NP
Quang Nguyen, MD
George J. Odell, MD
Suzanne Shelling, PA-C
David F. Todd, MD

FAQs

What is an Interventional Radiologist?
An Interventional Radiologist is a Board Certified Radiologist who is trained in all modalities of radiology and has additional experience and training in invasive procedures, both vascular and nonvascular.
All of the procedures involve imaging guidance to minimize invasiveness and maximize safety.
The majority of interventional radiology procedures are performed as an alternative to more invasive surgery.
How are appointments scheduled?
The majority of the procedures are scheduled through the interventional radiology office in conjunction with your referring physician.
If you think you have a vascular problem that might benefit from minimally invasive imaging, ask your doctor about MR angiography, CT angiography, or noninvasive ultrasound.
What about sedation and pain relief?
Prior to, during, and following the procedure each patient will be specifically evaluated for any requirements in regards to pain relief and conscious sedation.
All of our patients are judged as adequately treated prior to discharge.
If any patient is experiencing excessive pain following the procedure that requires continued IV medications, admission can be arranged easily, but this is a rare exception.
How should I prepare for my procedure?
Most procedures require nothing by mouth four to eight hours prior to admission to prevent nausea as a result of the procedure as well as the accompanying sedative medications.
On the day of the procedure, it is also very helpful to bring any other imaging studies you may have had done elsewhere.
What are the restrictions following my procedure?
The large majority of procedures suggest rest at home without any strict limitations and resumption of normal routine other than extreme physical exertion by the following day.