Intervention Nephrology
Interventional nephrology is a subspecialty within nephrology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related disorders using minimally invasive procedures. These procedures involve the use of imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or X-rays, to access and treat the kidneys or surrounding structures.
Some common interventions performed by interventional nephrologists include:
- Vascular access procedures: Interventional nephrologists create and maintain vascular access for patients undergoing hemodialysis. These procedures include inserting and maintaining arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), arteriovenous grafts (AVG), and central venous catheters (CVC).
- Renal biopsies: A renal biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of kidney tissue is removed for analysis. Interventional nephrologists perform renal biopsies using imaging guidance to obtain an accurate diagnosis of kidney disease.
- Nephrostomy tube placement: A nephrostomy tube is a catheter that is placed through the skin and into the kidney to drain urine. Interventional nephrologists perform nephrostomy tube placement to treat obstructive uropathy, which is a blockage in the urinary system.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones. Interventional nephrologists use imaging guidance to access the kidney and remove the stones.
- Embolization: Interventional nephrologists use embolization to treat bleeding in the kidneys or surrounding structures. Embolization involves injecting particles or a substance that blocks the blood vessels that are causing the bleeding.