About Us
The Interventional Radiology Division offers state-of-the-art minimally invasive image guided diagnostic and therapeutic treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions. Using sophisticated imaging (i.e., CT, MRI, Ultrasound) to guide their procedures, interventional radiologists, insert small instruments or tools, such as catheters or wires through blood vessels and other pathways in the body to treat a variety of conditions without surgery.
In addition to diagnostic and therapeutic treatments, our interventional radiologists provide consultative services for patients referred by their doctor for an expert opinion or specific therapy, as well as medical management. Please contact us for an appointment at the most convenient location:
Eastern Maine Medical Center
Maine Medical Center
Spectrum Medical Group
Spectrum Interventional Radiologists are board certified as well as subspecialty certified in Interventional Radiology by the American Board of Radiology. The specialized training for interventional radiology is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Spectrum interventional radiologists offer innovative procedures such as:
Vertebroplasty - to treat back pain following vertebral collapse.
Uterine fibroid embolization - for non-surgical treatment of uterine fibroids.
Endovenous Laser treatment - as a non-invasive treatment for symptomatic superficial venous insufficiency (varicose veins).
Neuro-Endovascular Therapy - used to treat complex lesions of the head, neck and spine.
Common Questions about Spectrum Interventional Radiology:
- Interventional Radiology
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Computerized Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Neuro-Endovascular Therapy
- Nuclear Medicine
- Pediatric Radiology
- Ultrasound
- Preparing for Your Visit
- When to Arrive
- What to Wear
- Obtaining Radiology Test Results
- How to Reach Us
- Focusing on Quality
- Spectrum Medical Group Radiologists
Interventional radiology is a branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats a variety of conditions by using image-guided minimally invasive techniques. Interventional radiologists have been training in treatment and management of diseases as well as being consultants to other physicians.
Using sophisticated radiology images to guide their procedures, interventional radiologists insert thin catheters (tubes) and other tiny instruments through the blood vessels and other pathways in the body to treat a variety of conditions without surgery.
Diagnostic imaging tests provide valuable information for many medical conditions. By using non-invasive equipment, Spectrum radiologists can produce well-defined images that are important to physicians in developing treatment plans for patients. There are many different diagnostic radiology tests that a physician can order including plain film, fluoroscopy, barium study, MRI, CT, biopsy, ultrasound, arthrogram, PET, and nuclear medicine, to name but a few. Spectrum sub specialists perform a broad range of both routine and highly complex diagnostic procedures in the areas of:
- gastrointestinal (digestive tract) radiology
- genitourinary (urinary system organs and reproductive system organs) radiology
- chest radiology
- bone radiology
- mammography (breast imaging)
- neuroradiology (head, neck, and spine imaging)
Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
A CT or CAT scan is a valuable, painless diagnostic test that allows radiologists to see inside areas of the body using special x-ray equipment. The CT scan obtains images from different angles around the body and then reconstructs those images, using computer technology, into pictures of the anatomy inside the body. Areas of the body that may undergo a CT scan include the brain, sinuses, face, neck, chest, abdomen (liver, kidney, pancreas, etc.), pelvis, bones, joints, and spine. CT can also guide biopsies and fluid aspiration and drainage.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (MRA)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a painless diagnostic test that allows radiologists to see inside areas of the body that cannot be seen using conventional x-rays. MRI scanners use a very strong magnet and radio waves to produce cross-sectional views in multiple planes. Areas of the body that may undergo an MRI include the brain, joints, spine, soft tissue masses, abdominal organs, and pelvis. MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) evaluates arteries or veins throughout the body.
Neuro-endovascular therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat complex vascular lesions in the head, neck, and spine. Using microcatheters and devices such as balloons, platinum coils, liquid adhesive, and stents, the interventional neuroradiologist navigates from the femoral artery or vein to treat the abnormal target vessels. Navigation is assisted by real-time, bi-plane digital-subtraction angiography and real-time fluoroscopy. Patients whose neurovascular lesions have been determined to be untreatable by conventional surgical techniques are often candidates for neuro-endovascular therapy.
Nuclear medicine studies provide information about the structure of an organ and, most importantly, provide information about organ function. It is useful in the early diagnosis and treatment of numerous medical conditions. In a nuclear medicine study, patients typically receive an intravenous injection of a minute trace of radioactive material that highlights the organs under review. Other tests, called radioassay procedures, involve no radiation exposure to the patient because radioactive material is added to the fluid specimen after the sample has been obtained from the patient.
Spectrum radiologists are highly experienced in caring for children and do everything possible to make both the child and the parents feel comfortable throughout any procedure. Using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment, many tests can be performed without the need for sedation. When necessary, sedation is available. Spectrum radiologists provide children with the following diagnostic testing services:
and GU (genitourinary / VCUG) studies
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of the body's organs. Since no radiation is involved, it is a safe procedure to evaluate anatomy in the abdomen, pelvis, neck, and blood vessels (Doppler ultrasound). Spectrum radiologists perform a full range of ultrasound testing as well as ultrasound-guided biopsies and fluid aspiration or drainage.
Your doctor's office will provide you with information on how to prepare for your scheduled test, procedure, or treatment. In addition, general information on preparing for your specific exam is provided in the procedures section of our web site. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the the site where your appointment is scheduled.
You should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for you to complete any necessary paperwork, change your clothes, if needed, and answer questions from one of our technologists about your medical history.
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your exam or procedure. Depending on the exam or procedure, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will be instructed beforehand if there is anything special you should not wear. For more detailed information about how to prepare for a specific exam, see our procedures section.
Obtaining Radiology Test Results
Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning your treatment immediately. We forward your results to your physician who will discuss them with you.
Please feel free to contact the radiology or radiation therapy department at the hospital where you are scheduled to have your exam or procedure any time if you have questions.
Our physicians work hard to optimize Spectrum Medical Group's continuous quality improvement program. Quality of care delivered to patients, physician and patient satisfaction, and improvement of the efficiency with which care is provided are very important to us and regularly reviewed. Our commitment in these areas sets the standard of care at the highest level and ensures the best possible outcomes for our patients.
We welcome patient comments and feedback as an important element in helping us to improve our services. If you would like to provide us with comments, we hope you will call, write, or e-mail us.
Spectrum Medical Group Radiologists
As an integral part of the medical team, the physicians of Spectrum Medical Group's Radiology Division specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases by obtaining and interpreting medical images. Our radiologists have had three to four years of medical school with an additional radiology residency training. Many of our radiologists have additional subspecialty training or fellowship training in areas including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, pediatric imaging, nuclear medicine, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology, breast imaging, and interventional radiology. All of Spectrum's radiologists are board-certified. Our physicians are committed to providing superior-quality radiology services to our patients. This includes our regular attendance at national and international conferences, and participation in teaching program for doctors at Maine Medical Center and Eastern Maine Medical Center.
In addition to the physician radiologist, the radiology care team may include a radiology resident. The radiology resident is a graduate physician (MD or DO) who is pursuing additional training in radiology.
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