Cardiac CT angiography is a diagnostic exam that uses an advanced x-ray device along with IV contrast dye to allow the physician to see a 3-D image of the heart and vessels. This noninvasive exam is often used to spot fatty or calcium deposits that have built up in the coronary arteries, which...
Gynecologic laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to make a few tiny incisions rather than a large incision through the skin and underlying muscles. In pelvic laparoscopic surgery, the entry ports for surgical instruments are in the groin area and...
Laser surgery is used to treat issues such as kidney damage, bladder damage that results in incontinence or urinary retention, bladder stones, kidney stones, and prostate issues that restrict the flow of urine, according to the American Urological Association (AUA).
Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat painful spinal compression fractures, also known as vertebral compression fractures. It is performed on patients who have compression fracture of a vertebra that has significant osteoporosis. The goal of the procedure is to...
Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat patients suffering from the debilitating pain caused by compression fractures of the vertebrae. The procedure uses x-ray guidance to place a medical-grade bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it, stop...
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a treatment for patients with overactive bladder symptoms, which include urge incontinence, frequent urination, and urinary urgency. The procedure uses a device called InterStim® for Urinary Control, developed by the Minneapolis-based company Medtronic....
Coronary artery stenting is a procedure that involves placing a small, self-expanding mesh tube within a coronary artery to keep the vessel open. Physicians may also use drug-eluting stents, which are coated with a medicine that helps prevent restenosis due to tissue regrowth. The procedure is...
Peripheral vessel stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a small, self-expanding mesh tube into a narrowed or blocked vessel to prop it open. Physicians may also use drug-eluting stents, which are coated with a medicine that helps prevent restenosis due to tissue...
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an incisionless surgical approach used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During this natural orifice surgery, the surgeon inserts the EsophyX™ device through the patient’s mouth rather than through an abdominal incision.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, sometimes known as cardiac MRI, is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that produces computerized images of internal body tissues. It is based on nuclear magnetic resonance of atoms within the body induced by the application of radio waves. It is...