Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Techniques
Endocrine conditions such
as hyperparathyroidism, hyperaldosteronism, and hyperpituitarism result in
elevated levels of certain hormones in the blood. These conditions can often be
difficult to diagnose with traditional diagnostic methods such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Instead, blood sampling
from the veins of the respective endocrine organs is often an effective way to
diagnose these conditions. In addition, some of the hormone-secreting tumors can
be diagnosed with venous sampling.
UT Southwestern’s
Comprehensive Noninvasive Vascular Imaging Laboratory offers cutting-edge, minimally
invasive diagnostic techniques, which offer fewer risks and shorter recovery
times for our patients. In addition to venous sampling, we offer image-guided biopsies and noninvasive vascular imaging.
Our interventional radiologists are specialists in minimally
invasive techniques. In addition to the training that all radiologists receive,
these specialists have advanced fellowship training in interventional
radiology, plus extensive real-world experience.
Preparing for Venous Sampling
These procedures are
performed with conscious sedation, a process in which the patient is given
medication to feel sleepy but is not unconscious. Conscious sedation requires the
patient to fast for eight hours before the procedure.
Most medications can be
taken the morning of the procedure except those that affect blood clotting,
such as aspirin, Plavix, Lovenox, or Coumadin. Patients taking one of these
medications might need to stop taking it or be switched to another medicine for
a few days before the procedure. Medication management will be coordinated by our
team, if necessary.
Venous Sampling: What to Expect
Venous sampling procedures
are performed in a sterile, surgical environment with the professional interventional
radiology team, consisting of a physician, a technician, and a nurse.
After the patient is sedated,
the technician inserts a small tube into the veins. Then, the physician uses fluoroscopic
guidance to sample the venous blood from many different parts of the body to
locate the source of the elevated hormone.
Following the initial
sampling procedure, the venous catheter will be left in the vein. The patient
will remain in the hospital room for approximately two hours while the initial
results are obtained from the lab.