Category Archives: Medical

What Is an Interventional Radiologist?

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Interventional radiologists are medical professionals who specialize in performing certain procedures to diagnose and to treat a variety of illnesses in an image-guided setting using catheters and injections and usually performing the procedures through very small incisions or holes. Here are some things that you should know about interventional radiologists.

What Is, in Fact, Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology is a branch of medical science that uses imaging technologies, including X-rays, CT scans and MRI to diagnose and to treat a variety of illnesses. The procedures performed by interventional radiologists require special equipment, therefore they are performed in hospitals that have an X-ray department.

The Training of Interventional Radiologists

The education of interventional radiologists follows the same path as the education of any highly trained medical specialist. Those who want to become interventional radiologists need to complete general medical training first, followed by a specialization in X-ray technology and further specialization in the technologies used in interventional radiology. These medical specialists also complete a residency program during which they learn to perform a wide variety of interventions. At the end of their training and after having completed the residency program, interventional radiologists need to take a complicated board exam to obtain a license and to be able to practice.

interventional radiologist near me

The Interventions Performed by Interventional Radiologists

The range of the illnesses that can be successfully treated with the help of the procedures performed by an interventional radiologist near me is continually expanding. Here are some of the most common interventions:

  • Uterine fibroid embolization – the procedure involves the insertion of a catheter in the artery that provides the blood supply for the uterine fibroids and the administration of tiny particles through an injection with the purpose of cutting off that blood supply for the duration of the intervention. Uterine fibroids rely heavily on the blood supply they receive from the artery that leads to the uterus – If that blood supply is cut off even for a short time, the fibroid starts shrinking and dying;
  • treatment for enlarged prostates – prostate enlargement is another very common condition that can be successfully treated through embolization. The method is essentially the same as in the case of uterine fibroids and the expected results are also the subsequent shrinkage of the prostate;
  • treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome – carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition of the hands that is caused by damage sustained by the nerves leading to the hands. Interventional radiologists can efficiently treat carpal tunnel syndrome by injecting small quantities of corticosteroids directly into the affected nerve to reduce the inflammation and the other symptoms caused by the condition;
  • carotid stenting – another very common condition that can be successfully treated by interventional radiologists is the partial blockage of the carotid artery – the large blood vessel that carries blood to the brain. The procedure involves the placement of a thin wire device into the artery in order to remove the blockage as quickly and as easily as possible, usually without having to sedate the patient.

What Is an Interventional Radiologist?

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Interventional radiology is a branch of modern medicine, which uses modern technologies and miniaturized tools to save lives. It is used for treating cancer and other life threatening conditions without performing major surgery.

What Exactly Does an Interventional Radiologist Do?

An Interventional Radiologist has the delicate job of looking inside the patient’s body and performing high precision tasks, such as:

  • Taking a sample of tissue for biopsy
  • Breaking a blood clot
  • Destroying tumors without harming the healthy tissues around it.

In order to perform these tasks, the Interventional Radiologist uses imaging tests as guidance. These can be:

  • X-rays
  • CT scans
  • Fluoroscopy (a procedure allowing a view of the organs in motion)
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Interventional Radiologist

Interpreting Imaging to Decide on a Treatment Course

The images of the inside of the patient’s body allow the Interventional Radiologist to decide on the ideal approach for treating the issue. Instead of performing an open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to access the problem area, the specialist will guide tiny instruments through the veins, using the images as a reference.

In this way, the entire intervention can be performed through an opening in the body fitted with a catheter (a small plastic tube) that is no wider than a straw.

Types of Medical Procedures Performed by an Interventional Radiologist

Interventional radiology is used for a wide range of life saving procedures, such as:

  • Angioplasty or stent insertion to strengthen weakened arteries
  • Biliary drainage to unclog the bile ducts
  • Varicose vein ablation
  • Image guided biopsy
  • Pleural aspiration (removing fluid accumulating around the lungs).

Interventional radiology is also used to kill cancer cells or tumors with radio waves, electric current or ice crystals and cutting off blood supply to the tumor at the same time.

Benefits of Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiologists are in increasing demand, because this method of treatment has many benefits for the patient. These are:

  1. It Is Safer

Open surgery has its risks, from blood loss to negative reactions to general anesthesia. It is especially recommended for people with known allergies to anesthetics.

  1. It Allows Doctors to Deliver Treatment in a Precise Area of the Body

Miniature medical devices inserted through a catheter allow doctors to break blood clots, gallstones or kill cancer tumors without harming nearby tissues.

  1. No Need to Spend the Night in Hospital

The interventional radiology procedure is performed under light to medium sedation. Once it is over, the patient wakes up, spends a little time under observation and then can go back home.

  1. Reduced Risk of Negative Side Effects

Side effects, such as infection at the site of the surgery are not uncommon. In the case of vulnerable patients with cancer, they can be fatal. A procedure performed by an Interventional Radiologist does not carry the risk of side effects. It is minimally invasive and leaves behind just a small bandaged area.

  1. Safe Placement of Central IV Lines

In some cases, medicines need to be delivered deep inside the body for maximum effect. To do so, the Interventional Radiologist will guide the central IV line through the veins and stop at the exact place where the treatment has to be delivered.

Some of the Most Common Sleep Disorders Science Tells Us About

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You probably already know people who don’t sleep that well. Some might wake up in the middle of the night to eat or take walks, while others are abruptly woken up by nightmares or the inability to breathe properly. These common problems are just a tip of the iceberg, however, as the rich and mysterious world of sleeping problems holds many more secrets than meets the eye.

While some sleep disorders might be induced by mild health problems or emotional issues that can be corrected over time, others are in and of themselves diseases – sometimes very rare ones – that cannot be easily made to go away.

sleep doctor treats insomnia and other sleep disorders

Insomnia

The most common and popular type of sleep disorder that we know about is insomnia. This disorder is actually part of a category of sleep disorders known as dyssomnias, which include both cases involving people who have trouble going to sleep (insomniacs) and those with patients that sleep too much or that have trouble getting up in the morning.

Insomnia is characterized by an inability to go to sleep. In most cases, it involves a secondary diagnosis which is usually the cause of the disorder. Sometimes it can be primarily psychological, such as the case with mood swings, anxiety or depression. Other times, it can involve a serious physical condition such as heart disease or pregnancy, as well as a number of neurological conditions.

People suffering from insomnia often require treatment from a sleep doctor for the both the primary cause as well as additional treatments or practices to help them fall asleep more easily. There are, however, extreme cases as well, when neither the actual source of the insomnia is known, nor the insomnia itself can be cured or treated by regular means.

 Parasomnias

Parasomnias also involve difficulty sleeping, however, in this case the problem arises after the patient has already fallen asleep. Parasomnias often involve involuntary movements, sensations and emotions felt during sleep and often amplified by the dream state. They can include anything from bedwetting to bruxism, sleepwalking or suddenly waking up hearing loud noises (exploding head syndrome).

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a condition which can be considered the opposite of insomnia. While insomniacs need to put a real effort into trying to fall asleep, hypersomniacs can hardly wake up, and they usually feel extremely exhausted when doing so. Hypersomnia involves excessive sleeping habits and often causes the person who has it to be incapable of functioning properly during their daily life. The causes of hypersomnia can include distress and trauma (post-traumatic hypersomnia) as well as serious neurological problems such as narcolepsy.

Disorders Caused by an Altered Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm governs our sleep cycles, and they can often be disturbed by situations where we chronically miss our normal sleeping habits or are forced to stay awake for longer periods of time. Disorders caused by altered circadian rhythms can include delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder and non-24 hours sleep phase disorder. In each of these cases, the person’s sleep pattern is altered either by being delayed, appearing too early in the day or occurring at a cycle that is offset compared to the 24-hour cycle of the day.

Choosing Ideal Medicare Coverage at a Good Price

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From Denver to Colorado Springs, Lakewood and all other major cities in Colorado medicare part B plans are essential when it comes to obtaining the healthcare coverage that best fits your lifestyle and aspirations. While there are many providers of reliable Medicare plans throughout the state of Colorado, finding the one that gives you the most advantages will not be an easy task.

Fortunately, by following just a few simple recommendations, you can gain access to the coverage plans and reliable healthcare benefits you want for spending the rest of your life without any worries or bothers.

First, see if someone in your senior living Denver community has resources for your to review. They may even provide experts at various times for you to talk to.

What Is Medicare and Why Do You Need It?

If you live in the USA, and you have one or two elders in the family, you probably senior living denver medicare helpalready know a lot about the Medicare healthcare plans. Medicare is a health insurance program operating on a national level in the US, that caters to the coverage needs of senior citizens aged 65 and older.

Medicare plans are also designed to offer reliable and advantageous coverage to young and older individuals suffering from various disabilities, as well as those with permanent kidney failure.

Tips for Choosing Your Preferred Plan

When it comes to choosing your preferred Medicare plan in Colorado, it’s important to keep in mind that there are important differences between plans, and you have to pay close attention to the level and type of coverage that each plan can offer. The following tips should help you out:

• Get informed about the two main types of Medicare plans: Part A (hospital insurance) plans, which help pay for hospital, nursing or hospice care; and Part B (medical insurance), which can help you out with medical bills, outpatient hospital care and various medical services and expenses that are not covered under Part A.

• Choose whether or not you want a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans, also known as Part C plans, include coverage benefits associated with both Part A and Part B plans, featuring private insurance plans offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare.

• Check with your doctor whether you should also get prescription drug coverage – also known as Part D. These plans add drug coverage to your main MA plan, and can include MSA plans, Private Fee-For-Service plans or some Medicare cost plans.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans

It is also important to consider whether you want a supplemental Medicare insurance plan or not. Plans such as Medigap or MedSup are available in the state of Colorado, and they can provide you with specific benefits that aim to fill all the remaining gaps in your Medicare coverage. Compared to other types of insurance plans, that may or may not assist you with out-of-pocket healthcare coverage, plans that are up to the Medigap coverage standards are considered the best you can get at a lower cost.

Keep in mind that some Medicare plans are not available in all counties, while others are much more accessible. Once you determine which plan you want to choose, make sure you find out as much as possible about local regulations, regardless of whether you choose a “zero premium plan” – which doesn’t require a monthly premium – or not.

No matter your goals, however, you’ll find that the right Colorado Medicare plans are just around the corner, and you just need to use the tips presented above to get the plan that’s best suited to you.

What Is Functional Medicine? – A Modern Approach that Treats Symptoms by Addressing the Causes

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soothing from integrative medicine services in Denver

Most experts of this new approach face this question on a daily basis – What is functional medicine is probably the question most frequently asked when it comes to this amazing medical method. Functional medicine is one of the most complex alternative medical approaches available today, a biology-based system that does not stop at treating individual symptoms, but sets out to identify and to treat the root cause of the health problem to be controlled. The basic principle of the approach is that the various, often confusing symptoms experienced by the patient form a system the components of which are all related to the root cause – if the cause is found and properly addressed, the symptoms, no matter how diverse, will disappear.

The Individualized Approach

What sets functional medicine apart from the traditional medical approach is its focus on the individual patient as a complex entity. The diagnosis is set up not only based on the description of the symptoms as provided by the patient and based on test results, but based on the patient’s personal, social, medical and family history. This approach allows the practitioner to have a complex and comprehensive perspective and facilitates the identification of the root cause of the health problems.

The Partnership

In functional medicine, the patient is considered to be more of a partner in the treatment process than a patient who undergoes treatment. The special relationship between the patient and the practitioner reveals connections between causes and effects that might be disregarded during medical examinations and treatment processes in traditional systems.

The Illnesses Effectively Treated with Functional Medicine

The list of the affections successfully treated with the methods proposed by functional medicine includes over 80 different illnesses. Functional medicine has proven to be very efficient when it comes to the treatment of numerous chronic diseases, such as diabetes, mental health issues, gastrointestinal problems, health issues caused by inflammatory processes in the body, fatigue, allergies, obesity, high blood pressure. Autoimmune diseases are also very effectively treated by functional medicine – these conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and lupus prompt the body’s immune system to mistakenly identify one or multiple systems in the body as enemies and to attack these systems, but the functional approach can calm the patient’s immune responses and can make its reactions return to normal.

The diagnostic and treatment approach adopted by functional medicine is very complex. While traditional medicine is able to address these conditions only by trying to address and to ameliorate only the individual symptoms with the help of medicines or surgery, functional medicine looks much deeper and treats the initial cause that has led to the appearance of the symptoms. The treatment method proposed by functional medicine is usually a combination of traditional solutions, including drugs, if necessary, herbal remedies and lifestyle transformations, such as dietary changes and exercise. Functional medicine usually requires the patients to be more profoundly and more actively involved in the treatment process and such involvement also drives additional benefits, making the patients more confident and more aware of their own power in the healing process.

If you want to find out more about what is functional medicine and you think that your health issues could be successfully treated by this wonderful, holistic approach, just contact a functional medicine Denver center in your area and discuss the available treatment options with one of the dedicated and knowledgeable experts there.

The Search for Your Ideal Littleton Dentist – Types of Dental Health Specialists to Choose from

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mouth with great teethAre you looking for a new Littleton dentist? Even though, with all the dental health experts you will find listed online for the Littleton area, it might seem easy to choose the right one, there is a great deal of careful consideration that might still be needed first.

Depending on your most frequent dental problems, you might need an orthodontist, rather than a cosmetic dentistry specialist. Or maybe you’ll want to look into a dentist who also specializes in pediatric dentistry, so you can take your son or daughter to the same dentist, instead of searching for a separate one.

Types of Dentists to Look for

When choosing the right Littleton dentist you have to know why you want a new dentist and what types of problems you are dealing with. Do you have cavities, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth or yellow teeth? Maybe you need implants or crowns. Following are the main categories of dentists specializing in the particular dental care areas that you could consider:

  • As mentioned, pediatric dentists deal with kids and teenagers. They specialize in the oral health of children from infancy, right up to the older years of teenhood. A pediatric specialist will be great for guiding kids through the early years of dental development.
  • Periodontists treat gum-related diseases. Do your gums bleed frequently? Are they swollen and red? If you’re dealing with any of these problems, you might want to consider frequent visits to a certified periodontist.
  • How are your jaws? Are you biting correctly? Maybe you have your teeth aren’t properly aligned and you need braces – or something similar. Orthodontists are the people to see if you have to cope with any of these irregularities or issues.
  • Prosthodontists are the best at figuring out what to do when you need a crown, you have missing or broken teeth, or you have problems with your existing implants and prosthetics.
  • The physiology and morphology of the dental pulp is extremely essential for disease prevention. Regarding this aspect of dentistry, you can address an endodontist. These specialists have undergone additional training that has to do with practices such as root canal therapy.
  • Oral surgeons can help you with facial reconstruction surgery and the removal of teeth after a serious accident. This area of practice also has to do with diagnosing problems and disorders relating to both aesthetic and functional aspects of oral health.
  • Speaking of aesthetics, you can go to a certified and reputable cosmetic dentistry expert for anything from teeth whitening to gum grafts, dental veneers and specialized services for making your smile look better.

Other Important Factors

Is your new pediatric dentist great with kids? Does your orthodontist have access to the latest technologies and procedures associated with non-intrusive teeth alignment? How much experience does your dentist have, and did he or she graduate at a prestigious school?

These are just some of the questions you should look for an answer to, before making your final decision regarding the dentist you want to choose. Fortunately, when it comes to selecting a reliable Littleton dentist, there are at least a few good experts who will prove to be the absolute embodiment of your preferred answers.