Centinela Radiology provides diagnostic and interventional radiology in Los Angeles, CA. Our highly trained radiologists focus on diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive image guided procedures.
Centinela Radiology provides diagnostic and interventional radiology in Los Angeles, CA. Our highly trained radiologists focus on diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive image guided procedures.
Diagnostic imaging for non-vascular disorders State-of-the-art imaging technology is performed for the diagnosis and intervention of non-vascular problems.
Ascites is a build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and it can be painful and uncomfortable. Abdominal swelling and bloating are the most symptoms, with severe cases causing difficulty breathing.
Also known as "water on the lungs" this occurs when there is excess fluid buildup around the lungs. This can be uncomfortable and cause difficulty breathing and pain with breathing. It can be fatal in up to 15% of hospitalized patients diagnosed with the condition. Congestive heart failure, pneumonia, cancer, and pulmonary embolism are some of the potential causes.
Bile is a green or yellow fluid secreted by the liver which is important for digestion. After eating, the gallbladder releases bile which flows into the small bowel. A blocked bile duct can back up into the liver, leading to jaundice (skin yellowing). The duct may become infected if the blockage is not removed. Many conditions related to biliary obstructions are treatable. However, an untreated blockage can lead to life-threatening liver disease.
Gallbladder inflammation is known as cholecystitis. Gallstones are the most common cause of the condition. A gallstone is a hardened deposit made of bile. These stony buildups can block the bile duct, leading to an inflamed gallbladder. In serious cases, gangrene of the gallbladder can occur.
If the flow of urine from the kidneys is obstructed, there can be backing up of urine and dilatation of the kidneys. Flank pain, painful urination, increased urge or frequency to urinate, incontinence, and serious infection can result when it is left untreated.
The spleen assists the immune system by storing white blood cells and creating antibodies. If the spleen enlarges, it can consume platelets from the blood leading to dangerously low platelets, pain in the upper left abdomen, and a higher risk of infections since the immune system is impaired.
A biopsy is used to diagnose whether a mass or nodule is benign or malignant.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation or local anesthesia, a CT scan or ultrasound is performed to help locate the suspicious area. Local anesthesia is delivered in the skin. A biopsy needle is inserted through an introducer needle, using imaging guidance. A sample of tissue is taken. The needle and introducer are withdrawn. The skin is bandaged, and the sample is analyzed for diagnostic purposes.
Tissue sampling is done to diagnose whether a lung mass or nodule is benign or malignant.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a CT scan guides an introducer needle into the suspicious lung tissue. The needle passes through the skin and between the ribs to reach the lungs. A biopsy needle is then inserted. Tissue samples are taken. The needle and introducer are withdrawn. The skin is bandaged, and the sample is analyzed for diagnostic purposes.
Inflammation and infection of the gallbladder fluid can cause serious illness. Sometimes, after a patient is evaluated for surgery and it is decided a non surgical treatment would be optimal. In these cases a small drainage catheter is placed into the gallbladder to drain the infected bile.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation and after delivery of local anesthetic, a thin tube is passed through the skin and into the gallbladder. The tube is left in place and drains the gallbladder fluid into a collection bag that the patient wears on the outside of the body. The tube is usually in place for a few weeks, while the infection is also treated with antibiotics.
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is an X-ray procedure with a special contrast dye. It is used to detect bile duct problems.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation or local anesthesia, an ultrasound guides the entry point of a needle near the skin overlying the liver. A thin needle punctures the bile duct. Contrast dye is injected to highlight the biliary tree. If a blockage is detected, one or more bile duct drains may be placed. The needle is withdrawn, and the skin is bandaged.
Stent placement is performed if the cholangiogram results show a bile duct obstruction. A bile duct stent is a small hollow tube that keeps blocked bile ducts open.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation or local anesthesia, an ultrasound guides the entry point of a needle into the skin overlying the liver. A thin needle passes through the skin and into the bile duct. Contrast dye is injected to locate the blockage. A bile duct stent is placed to open the blockage. The needle is withdrawn, and the skin is bandaged.
A biliary leak or obstruction may require drainage.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, an ultrasound guides the entry point of a needle into the skin overlying the liver. A fine needle punctures the bile duct. Contrast dye is injected to highlight the biliary tree. If a leak or obstruction is shown, a small wire is passed through the duct and into the bowels. A drainage tube is then placed inside the duct. Bile fluid drains fluid into a collection bag that the patient wears outside the body, or it may drain internally to the bowels.
Drainage is done to treat a cyst, abscess, seroma, bile, urine, or lymphatic fluid collection.
Procedure: An ultrasound or CT scan is used to detect unusual fluid buildup. Under conscious sedation or local anesthetic, a small incision is made in the skin. If the fluid buildup is located internally, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted. The fluid is drained. Aspiration is a vacuum-assisted device that removes fluid with suction. The wound is cleaned and a bandage is placed on the skin.
When the urinary drainage is obstructed the kidneys, a percutaneous nephrostomy may be performed. The procedure involves placing a tube through the skin, into one or both kidneys. The tube helps to drain urine or provide access for kidney stone removal or ureteral stent placement. It is removed once the tube is no longer needed.
Procedure: The patient lies prone during the procedure. Under full or partial sedation, local anesthesia is delivered in the skin. A needle is inserted and advanced to the kidney using image guidance.. A nephrostomy tube is then passed through the skin and into the kidney. The tube drains urine into a collection bag that the patient wears on the outside of the body.
If a urine blockage is not likely to improve due to a chronic condition, a thin flexible tube called a ureteral stent can be placed internally to keep the ureters open. Most patients have the stent for weeks or months and it can be removed once it is no longer needed. The stent is completely internal, and a tube is not visible outside of the body.
Procedure: The patient lies prone during the procedure. Under full or partial sedation and delivery of local anesthesia, a guidewire is placed into the ureter using image guidance. The stent runs along the guidewire and is placed inside the ureter. The guidewire is removed and the skin is bandaged.
Drains assist in removing fluid buildup within the body. For example, chronic pleural effusion or ascites may require a tube for ongoing drainage with a catheter.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, an ultrasound guides the entry point of a needle into the skin. A drainage tube is inserted. Fluid drains into a collection bag that the patient wears outside the body, or it may drain internally, depending on the condition. Schedule your Los Angeles non vascular intervention by calling Centinela Radiology Medical Group at 310-673-4660.
Schedule an appointment today to experience why Centinela Radiology is the choice for diagnostic imaging solutions for patients around the country who need the right answers, right away.
Centinela Radiology’s expert team of doctors and staff have the talent and the tools to help make sense of your health. From diagnostic imaging to interventional radiology, our minimally-invasive procedures get to the core of your concerns, so we can get you back to being the image of health.
