Your radiologist may first apply a numbing cream to the area over the abnormal vein to reduce discomfort. Ask your doctor if you will need to be admitted. However, some patients may require admission following the procedure. This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. Laser fibers and radiofrequency electrodes are long thin wires that carry energy from power generators into the body.Ī specially trained interventional radiologist performs image-guided, minimally invasive procedures such as ablation. It also considers what type of body structure and/or tissue the sound is traveling through.Ī catheter is a long, thin plastic tube that is considerably smaller than a 'pencil lead.' It is about 1/8 inch in diameter. The computer creates the image based on the loudness (amplitude), pitch (frequency), and time it takes for the ultrasound signal to return to the transducer. The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a video monitor. The gel allows sound waves to travel back and forth between the transducer and the area under examination. The technologist applies a small amount of gel to the area under examination and places the transducer there. The same principles apply to sonar used by boats and submarines. The transducer sends out inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body and listens for the returning echoes. Some exams may use different transducers (with different capabilities) during a single exam. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone. Ultrasound machines consist of a computer console, video monitor and an attached transducer. This procedure uses an ultrasound machine, catheter, radiofrequency electrode or laser fiber, and console.

Endo ablation side effects