Cancer Procedures

Approximately half an inch thick and the diameter of quarter, the tiny port is hugely beneficial. This small metal or plastic device allows easy access to a vein for repeated access, sparing patients repeated and often painful needle sticks.

A port implantation is an outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist while the patient is under light anesthesia. A small incision is made in the neck to access the vein using imaging as guidance. Another small incision is made in the chest, arm, or abdomen for port placement. After connecting the two via catheter, a pouch is created beneath the skin and the port is implanted.

An X-Ray is performed to ensure the port is in the correct location and the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches or surgical adhesive. Recovery time for this procedure is relatively short and a slight bulge in the skin where the port was placed may be visible.

Going forward, needles can be inserted into the port's silicone top or septum. This is followed by another needle that flushes the device to prevent blockages or blood clots. The site is then covered with a clear bandage to ensure symptoms of infection (like red streaks) are visible.

A port may be the right option for patients who:

• Are receiving ongoing chemotherapy.
• Are undergoing long-term intravenous therapy.
• Have poor vein access.
• Receive frequent blood transfusions.
• Require regular blood sampling.

The decision to place a medical port is between you and your provider. There are a variety of other factors that must be considered, including your specific medical condition, overall health, and procedure needs.

Ports provide a reliable and easily accessible site for medical treatments, eliminating the need for multiple needle sticks. They are more comfortable than external catheters and present a lower risk of complications than other methods of vascular access. Additionally, ports are designed for long term use and can stay in place for years, if necessary.

Like with any medical procedure or device, there are risks associated with the implantation of medical ports, including infection, thrombosis (blood clots), catheter malfunction or dislodgement, mechanical complications, bleeding or hematoma, and allergic reactions.

Tumor ablation works by using various methods to shrink or destroy tumor cells within the body. Specific techniques used depend on the type, size, and location of the tumor. The three main types of tumor ablation treatments are:

• Radiofrequency Ablation: During this procedure, a needle-like electrode is inserted into the tumor under imaging guidance. Once properly positioned, high frequency electrical currents are passed through it, generating heat. The heat creates friction within the tumor, which leads to the death of the tumor cells.
• Microwave Ablation: This procedure also uses a needle-like probe that is guided into the tumor using imaging guidance. Instead of electrical currents, microwave energy is delivered through the probe. This generates heat and effectively kills the tumor cells.
• Cryoablation: During this procedure, tumor tissue is destroyed through a freezing process. Cryoprobes are thin, hollow, and needle-like probes, through which extremely cold gases or liquids can flow. This process cools the surrounding tissue and ice crystals form within the freezing cells. Direct freezing occurs and the blood supply to the tumor is cut, which leads to cell death of abnormal or diseased tissue.

Tumor ablation is minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision or needle puncture. This means a reduction in potential complications. A targeted approach to tumors means less damage to surrounding tissue and a shorter, less painful recovery than compared with traditional surgical options.

There are various factors that must be weighed when determining if a patient is a candidate for tumor ablation. The type, size, location, and characteristics of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient must be considered. Ideally, tumor ablation should be performed on small tumors (approximately three to five centimeters in diameter) that are difficult to reach, non-metastatic, and localized.

Talk to your healthcare provider today to determine if tumor ablation is the right option for you.

Tumor ablation is a valuable means of treating tumors with a high success rate. Assuming tumors fall within the necessary criteria, this procedure can be effective at shrinking and destroying tumors, as well as preventing their reoccurrence.

Often used in conjunction with other procedure methods, like chemotherapy or surgery, tumor ablation can significantly improve overall patient outcomes.

Specific risks vary depending on the type of ablation used to treat tumors, but primary complications include bleeding, pain and discomfort, damage to surrounding structures (a risk minimized when using imaging technology for guidance), nerve injuries, skin burns and rarely blood clots and allergic reactions.

Patients undergoing a Y90 procedure will receive a hepatic angiogram (imaging test) prior to surgery. This involves inserting a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin and guiding it to the blood vessels that supply the liver. Contrast dye is injected to visualize the blood vessels and identify the tumor feeding vessels.

Once the blood vessels feeding the tumor are identified, the Inerventional Radiologist will map out the procedure plan to determine appropriate dosage and activity level of the Y90 microspheres, small radioactive particles, to be administered.

During the procedure, the Y90 microspheres are injected through a catheter into the target blood vessels, lodging themselves into the tumor, and releasing a high dose of radiation to kill cancer cells.

After their injection, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to minimize bleeding. Following a few hours of observation, the patient is discharged.

Y90 can be an effective mode of procedure for patients with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or metastatic liver cancer (cancer that has spread to the liver from another site). Those who undergo Y90 should have some preserved liver function to tolerate the radiation and tumors that are confined to the liver or with limited spread.

The decision to undergo Y90 procedure will be made in conjunction with a healthcare provider that can evaluate your individual needs. Talk to your doctor today to find out if Y90 is right for you.

Y90 has proven to be an effective therapy for the procedure of certain types of liver cancer. From controlling or shrinking tumor size to improved survival rates, Y90 is unrivaled. When used in conjunction with other therapies, like surgery or chemotherapy, Y90 can help eradicate residual disease and improve the quality of life for those suffering from liver cancer.

Like any medical intervention, Y90 poses potential risks. Following the procedure, patients are monitored closely to assess procedure response and manage potential side effects. Complications include radiation induced liver disease, non-target embolization, infection, pain and discomfort, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue.