Interventional radiology (IR) is a rapidly growing field of medicine that utilizes modern imaging technology such as ultrasound, CT, x-ray and MRI to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures. These advanced procedures are performed by interventional radiologists, specially trained physicians with expertise in radiology and minimally invasive procedures. With high success rates, IR is becoming an increasingly popular option for referring physicians and patients who require diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has three interventional radiologists on staff who provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These include Steven Krohmer, MD, William Coulter, DO, and Weiping Wang, MD, who work alongside nurse practitioners Trevor Jones and Jason Jude.

IR procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return to normal activities quicker. PMC’s  interventional radiologists offers an advanced alternative to traditional surgical procedures, typically requiring hospital stays and longer recovery times. PMC is one of a few hospitals in Eastern Kentucky with interventional radiologists on staff, which is crucial to providing complete care to patients, especially those with complex medical needs.

Interventional radiology diagnoses and treats various conditions, including cancer, vascular diseases, and chronic pain. Advancements in IR are particularly useful to oncologists, from diagnosing cancer to developing appropriate treatment plans. An interventional radiologist’s most well-known procedure is a biopsy to test for cancer and other diseases. During the procedure, IR providers use advanced image guidance to insert a small needle into the area to remove a tissue sample for further analysis.

PMC Interventional Radiologists frequently collaborate with primary care physicians and other referring specialists to provide coordinated care. They consult in clinics and work with multidisciplinary teams across the region to help achieve the best possible patient outcomes.  For more information, visit our website or consult with your primary care provider.

PMC’s IR department also specializes in:

 

  • Dialysis Access
  • Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty (for compression fractures)
  • Diseased Arteries & Veins
  • Peripheral Arterial Intervention
  • Interventional Oncology (Biopsies)
  • Port Catheter Placement
  • Varicose Vein Treatment
  • Uterine Fibroid Embolization
  • Hepatobiliary Interventions
  • Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement & Retrieval
  • Tumor Biopsies & Treatment
  • Joint Injections
  • Lumbar Puncture
  • Thoracentesis
  • Paracentesis
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy