Interventional Radiology uses fluoroscopy (x-ray) or ultrasound to "see" inside the body, to ensure that your procedure is safe and accurate.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology is a specialized area in diagnostic imaging that uses the guidance of medical imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, CT) to perform minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This typically means less pain, risk and recovery time for patients.
Biopsies and Drainages
Biopsies are medical tests performed by interventional radiologists to gather more information on a lump or mass, or other abnormal condition in the body. We also offer interventional drainage for removal of fluid from organs (e.g. nephrostomy) and other body systems.
Fine Needle Biopsy
A fine needle biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to see if tissue from a patients shows signs of abnormal cells, disease, cancer, or infection. A common type of fine needle biopsy is a fine needle aspiration, which removes fluid and cells through a syringe attached to the needle.
Fine needle biopsies can be obtained from organs, soft tissues or tumors in many parts of the body including: breast, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate, thyroid, ovary or lymph nodes.
Location
Vascular and Interventional Radiology procedures may be performed at:
Mississauga Hospital
100 Queensway West
Mississauga, ON
L5B 1B8
Credit Valley Hospital
2200 Eglinton Avenue West
Mississauga, ON
L5M 2N1
Contact Information
All Diagnostic Imaging tests require an appointment except for general x-ray, such as a chest x-ray.
To book or follow up on the status of your appointment, please contact:
Mississauga Hospital
Phone: 905-848-7100 ext. 3497
Fax: 905-804-7994
Credit Valley Hospital
Phone: 905-813-1100 ext. 6255
Fax: 905-813-3956
Referrals
Signed and completed requisitions are required for all procedures. Your health care provider may send the requisition directly to us, or give it to you.
All Diagnostic Imaging tests require an appointment except for general x-ray, such as a chest x-ray.
Resources for Patients & Their Families
When you come to Diagnostic Imaging, please bring the following:
- Your requisition if you have it
- Your health card. If you have the old “Red and White” health card without your picture on it, please bring Government-issued photo identification.
- Any paperwork you have received about this test.
- Any additional information such as outside imaging or medications that we have requested
Please make sure you follow any preparations or instructions you have been given.
What to Expect from Your Procedure:
Before Your Procedure
- Most blood thinners should be stopped 48 hours prior to the procedure depending upon your medication. Contact your doctor prior to discontinuing any medications.
- Bring prior x-rays or scans with you to your exam, if instructed.
- Please notify the staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to verify your registration.
During the Procedure
- A local anesthetic is used to numb area where the needle will be inserted. Sedative medication may also be used.
- The doctor will position you for easiest access to the area for biopsy.
- The skin will be swabbed with a cleaning solution and may be draped with surgical towels.
- A thin, hollow needle will be inserted through the skin to the biopsy site.
- The needle may be inserted more than once for positioning, or to obtain multiple samples.
- Once the needle is in the proper position, tissue or fluid will be withdrawn for examination.
- You may feel a pinch, pressure, or nothing at all.
Time Required
A biopsy can take anywhere from a few minutes to 30-90 minute for a deeper biopsy requiring CT or ultrasound guidance.
After the Procedure
- Depending on where the biopsy was taken you may be monitored for bleeding or other complications.
- The site will be bandaged and you will be given follow-up instructions.
Follow Up
- Pathology reports are returned to your doctor within 24 to 72 hours.
Once the test results have been completed and confirmed, your doctor will tell you if any further follow up is required.
