MADERA, Calif. – The interventional radiology team at Valley Children’s is celebrating a decade of caring for kids.
“It’s gone by quick – it doesn’t feel like it’s been 10 years,” said Dr. Trevor Davis, who was recruited to lead the interventional radiology program when it launched. “It feels like I’m still getting started.”
Interventional radiology involves performing minimally invasive surgical procedures using imaging equipment such as ultrasound, CT, MRI and X-ray. Using imaging guidance allows for less invasive procedures, which helps reduce the risk of complications and shortens recovery times for patients.
The IR team supports departments across the hospital by performing procedures on patients referred from other specialties.
“Valley Children’s has been great,” Dr. Davis said. “Great staff here, they’ve been wonderful to work with. I really love those relationships, and I love working here.”
While other departments focus on their own areas of expertise, IR cases range from neurological to complex vascular needs.
“We see patients from all over for all different kinds of problems, so it really gives us variety and keeps us on our toes with our skills,” said Tonya Shaw, a registered nurse with the interventional radiology team. “It’s really neat to see how much we’ve grown as a team.”
When the unit was formed in 2015, they shared space with other operating teams at Valley Children’s, which limited the number of cases they could perform each day. Thanks to the team’s growth, new facilities and advancements in technology, the IR department can now treat significantly more patients than it could a decade ago – and the increased capacity frees up other departments to see more patients as well.
“Before, we might only do two or three cases in a day. Now, it’s not uncommon for us to do 12 cases or more,” said radiological technologist Steve McGaugh. “We’re able to be more efficient, schedule our patients faster, see them faster and perform procedures faster.”
In 2015, the team performed fewer than 500 cases. Today, they average more than 2,100 each year. Before the team’s formation, many of these patients would have required referrals to other hospitals for treatment.
“It’s been really enjoyable to provide the care and be involved with the growth of our department the last 10 years,” McGaugh said.
To learn more about the interventional radiology team at Valley Children’s, click here.
