Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 23, 2020, to celebrate the opening of its second interventional radiology suite.

Interventional radiology (IR) is a minimally invasive specialty which uses advanced imaging to treat complex conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer, and minimize complications of traditional open surgeries.

"The second interventional radiology suite will help our staff serve patients quicker and decrease our turn-around times on exams to enhance patient satisfaction," says J. David Prologo, MD, FSIR, ABOM-D, director of interventional radiology services at EJCH, and associate professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences in Emory's School of Medicine.

"The new space will allow our physicians and clinicians to perform more complex procedures, including Y90 radioembolizations for our oncology patients and uterine fibroid embolizations for our patients in women’s services," says Richard Wright, director of imaging services at EJCH.

Y90 is a minimally invasive radiation treatment used for patients with liver cancer to target tumors with a high dose of radiation.

"We use catheters to inject tiny particles into the arteries and pinpoint the tumors, to not impact any other organs," says Bill O’Connell, MD, diagnostic radiologist, interventional radiologist and assistant professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences in Emory’s School of Medicine.

"The outpatient Y-90 procedure offers fewer side effects compared to standard radiation and can slow the progression of cancer, allowing more time for other therapies."

In addition to the new interventional radiology suite, the department also began utilizing the uMI 550. The advanced positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) technology improves visualization of smaller lesions, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at EJCH, call 678-474-7000.