Kedar Nath Chintapalli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Srinivasa R. Prasad MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Gujjarrapa Srinivas MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Fadi El Merhi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Wayne Freckleton MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Neal Christopher Dalrymple MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rajiv Suri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nonvascular interventions in Radiology [NVI] continue to increase over time. This is important in making changes in the existing scheduling and also in planning of new out patient IR centers. We have noticed changes in the case referrals and the procedures that are done at our hospital. Some of the changes are related to non-radiologists themselves doing the procedures. We conducted this study to determine the changing patterns in NVI over a period of five years and impact on the work flow.

A retrospective review of the nonvascular intervention database from 2/2001 to 2/2006 identified 3950 procedures. Patient profiles, Indications, procedure done, were analyzed.

The total numbers of procedures done in 2001,2002,2003,2004 and 2005 were 600, 947, 681, 750 and 900 respectively. Using 2001 as baseline, there is 50% increase in the total number of procedures. There is accounted predominantly by Random liver, liver transplant and thyroid nodule biopsies. There was no significant change in fluid aspirations/drainages or biopsy of masses. There has been a decrease in the kidney transplant biopsies from 42 to 2 during the same period related to nephrologists performing them. The marked increase in yr-2002, could be related to new services offered at the hospital.

1. There has been a significant increase in the NVI during a 4 year period. 2. Mostly liver and thyroid biopsies account for these changes. This most likely is related to increased awareness of hepatitis and increased diagnostic thyroid ultrasound studies.

1. Adequate nursing and secretarial support is needed for efficient flow of patients. 2. Monitoring changes helps utilization of the resources efficiently.

Chintapalli, K, Prasad, S, Srinivas, G, El Merhi, F, Freckleton, M, Dalrymple, N, Suri, R, Changing Trends of Nonvascular Interventional Radiology: Impact on the Work Flow.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4441099.html