Special Procedures refers to exams in radiology that are generally known as invasive. Invasive simply means that the procedure involves the introduction of a device, such as a catheter or a needle, into the body. These procedures are used to visualize diseased blood vessels or a damaged spinal canal, to obtain biopsies of suspicious areas, and to perform beneficial angioplasty and/or stent procedures.
Registration
Patients scheduled for a Special Procedures exam are required to register in Admissions. However, you may choose to pre-register prior to the date of your scheduled procedure so that you can go directly to Same Day Surgery on the day of your exam. Admissions is located through the covered entrance with an EMERGENCY sign on it. After turning into the Main Hospital Entrance, turn left at the first intersection and continue around the curve and park in the ER Parking/Admissions lot (on the right).
Studies Performed in Special Procedures Include:
· Angiography for narrowed arteries and arteriosclerosis
· Vascular stenting and angioplasty for narrowed arteries
· Dissolving blood clots within arteries and veins
· Treating back pain through needles without surgery
· Draining fluid collections through needles
· Biopsies without surgery
· Myelograms and arthrograms
· Hysterosalpingograms
Preparation Prior to Procedure
Most special procedures, with the exception of hysterosalpingograms, arthrograms and joint injections, require admission to the Same Day Surgery Department. For exams requiring IV Contrast: your physician should order bloodwork to be performed prior to the exam to check the creatinine level (kidney function) if you are 60 years of age or older. Angiography procedures also require that you discontinue any blood thinners or aspirin intake prior to the procedure. Myelograms require that you discontinue taking most pain medications 48 hours prior to the procedure. Consult your physician for specific instructions regarding blood thinners and pain medications. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam if you are scheduled for an arteriogram, angiogram, myelogram or any biopsy or the drainage of fluid.
Length of Procedure
Generally less than 60 minutes
Post-exam Instructions
Routinely patients are discharged the afternoon following their special procedure with doctor's orders specific to their exams.
If you think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician or the technologist before your exam.
If you have a known contrast allergy, please contact your physician or the imaging location where you are having your exam as soon as possible.
Results of Exam
A radiologist will interpret your exam and a transcribed report will be sent to the ordering physician within 24 hours.
Requesting Films
If your physician requested you to bring your films to your next office visit, please mention this to the radiology office staff when you check in, and your films will be ready for you shortly after your exam.
If anytime after your exam you need to borrow your films, please call the radiology department at (423) 787-5100 or e-mail radiology@lmhcare.org at least 24 hours in advance, and your films will be ready for you to pick up.
Special Procedures
