Patients generally can expect to experience fewer complications, a faster recovery and lower medical expenses. This specialty is known as interventional radiology, and Rowan Regional Medical Center offers this highly specialized branch of medicine to residents in Rowan, Cabarrus, Iredell, Davidson, Davie and Stanly counties. Interventional radiology has been performed at the medical center for years by the physicians of Piedmont Radiological Associates. Many techniques, however, have been developed in the last few years. These new procedures are now available because Dr. Craig Kobrin , a specially trained interventional radiologist, has joined Rowan Regional s medical staff.
Interventional radiology involves the treatment of disease nonoperatively.
The physician uses miniature instruments inserted through a small incision in the body. The definition of small in this case is no bigger than the lead tip of a pencil, or about two to three millimeters. Using radiologic images, such as ultrasounds, CAT scans and diagnostic X-rays, the small tools are guided through the body, performing procedures that are often alternatives to surgery. Interventional radiology is an amazing field of medicine, Dr. Kobrin said. Procedures that used to require major surgery can now be done using this specialized technology, and often on an outpatient basis.