Cardiac computerized tomography (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 3D image of the heart and vessels. This noninvasive exam is often used to identify narrowed or blocked arteries, which can create...
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 fractures of a vertebra that has significant osteoporosis. Compression fractures can be...
Transplant hepatology is the study of liver diseases and liver transplantation. Transplant hepatologists manage patients before and after transplantation and work in conjunction with transplant surgeons. They have specialized training in the management of patients with end-stage liver disease,...
Pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC), also known as Swan-Ganz or right heart catheterization, is a procedure commonly used to measure pressures in the heart and large blood vessels, according to the American Thoracic Society. During the procedure, a balloon-tipped pulmonary artery catheter is...
Oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery (OPRS) is a specialized form of ophthalmology that focuses on the face, eyelids, brow, orbital bones, tear duct system, and nose. Oculofacial plastic surgery encompasses the management of deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear...
Laser surgery uses special light beams instead of instruments for surgical procedures. Lasers are used in a variety of medical and surgical procedures to cut or destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, tumors, and lesions, or to seal blood vessels. They are also used in cosmetic surgery. Numerous...
A central venous catheter, also known as a CVC or central line, is a long, flexible tube similar to an intravenous (IV) line, but stays in place longer. It provides access to a person’s blood supply, allowing the patient to receive medications, fluids, or additional blood, and allowing...
The American Board of Radiology (ABR) defines nuclear radiology as the subspecialty of diagnostic radiology that encompasses the use of radiopharmaceuticals for dynamic and static imaging of pathophysiologic processes and the treatment of a spectrum of benign and malignant diseases. Nuclear...
According to the Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology (CBNC) and other medical associations, nuclear cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology in which radioisotopes are used in conjunction with a range of noninvasive nuclear imaging techniques to evaluate how organs function. Nuclear...
The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), a national organization developed specifically to support and enhance the practice of hospitalists, defines the hospitalist as “a physician who specializes in the practice of hospital medicine.” Many patients are referred to hospitalists by their primary...
