• Homect_img
  • Vascular Services

Vascular Services

Vascular Services

The Radiology Department plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease. Ultrasound, MRI and CT scanning are valuable tools in pinpointing dangerous blockages and damage to the complex network of arteries and veins that keeps our lifeblood flowing.

Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, vascular disease may be treated through medication, surgery or an interventional radiology treatment. (Visit our Vascular Care page for more in-depth information about vascular disease and the surgical treatments available at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.) Interventional radiology is particularly valuable in dissolving and removing blood clots in the veins without surgery. In some circumstances, it is an invaluable emergency treatment for strokes caused by a blood clot (ischemic strokes).

Interventional Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis is a procedure that injects "clot busting" drugs (thrombolytic agents) directly into the site of a blood clot. Performed in a hospital radiology suite, our interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into a vein in the leg and threads it to the site of the clot. With his special training as a radiologist, the doctor is able to expertly guide and watch the progress of the procedure on an X-ray video monitor. When the catheter tip is in the clot, the clot-dissolving drug is sent (infused) through the catheter tube.

Using special X-rays, called venograms, and ultrasound scans, the interventional radiologist can "see" and monitor the treatment. After the clot dissolves, the radiologist can tell if the vein wall is narrowed or damaged, which can lead to more clots in the future.

If a vein has been narrowed or damaged, the interventional radiologist or other physician may perform a balloon angioplasty, a procedure in which a catheter is placed in the vein under X-ray guidance. A balloon is inflated to press open the narrowed blood vessel and a small mesh cylinder called a stent may be inserted and left behind in the vein to keep it open.

Find a Physician

View Portsmouth Regional Hospital Physicians with Similar Specialties »

Locations

  • Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA<br>

    Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA
    2064 Woodbury Avenue
    Newington Park, Building 1, Ste 103
    Newington, NH 3801

    Directions
  • Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA<br>

    Seacoast Cardiology Associates, PA
    3 TerraScape Parkway
    Somersworth, NH 3878

    Directions
  • Atlantic Cardiology Associates<br>

    Atlantic Cardiology Associates
    333 Borthwick Avenue
    Suite 401
    Portsmouth, NH 3801

    Directions
  • Portsmouth Radiological Associates, PA<br>

    Portsmouth Radiological Associates, PA
    264 Lafayette Road
    Building B
    Portsmouth, NH 3801

    Directions
  • Coastal Cardiothoracic Associates<br>

    Coastal Cardiothoracic Associates
    333 Borthwick Avenue
    Suite 402
    Portsmouth, NH 3801

    Directions

Related Health Content

Magnetic Resonance Angiography

May 1, 2013

...

Read more »

Venous Duplex Ultrasound

December 1, 2012

...

Read more »

Resource Guide for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

October 1, 2012

...

Read more »

Reducing Your Risk of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

September 1, 2012

...

Read more »

Angiodysplasia of the Colon

November 1, 2012

...

Read more »