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Paediatric interventional radiology
- Expert care from leading specialists
- Dedicated paediatric service
- A safe and reassuring environment for your child
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PAEDIATRIC INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
At The Portland Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible care and outcomes for your child, which includes offering the latest technology in state-of-the-art facilities.
Our purpose-built Biplane imaging suite allows our paediatric specialists to carry out interventional radiology procedures as part of the diagnosis and treatment for a range of conditions. We offer low-dose, high-quality live X-rays to ensure your child receives the smallest amount of radiation possible while our expert teams provide accurate, tailored treatment.
Paediatric interventional radiology is when we use imaging, such as live X-rays, MRI, CT scans and ultrasound, to carry out diagnostics and treatments through minimally invasive techniques. The procedures involve using small wires and catheters (narrow tubes) to identify and target the precise area of the body needing treatment.
Our paediatric consultant radiologists carry out the minimally invasive procedures with the support of a specialist team.
Your child’s procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, so they’ll be unaware of what’s going on. Sometimes, sedation or a local anaesthetic is used, but it depends on the procedure and your child’s age. Your consultant will advise you on this and talk you through the best options.
No. 1
The only UK private hospital dedicated to treating women and children
40,000+
babies, children and young people cared for each year
9
level 3 intensive care beds for the highest levels of care
Fast access to specialists
Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Treatments for complex conditions
We focus our breadth of expertise on your child
Our paediatric radiology services
We treat your child, not their condition
We believe every child deserves highly personalised care, focused on their specific needs, no matter how complex. Our radiographers are experienced in scanning children, putting them at ease and answering any questions you or your child may have.
We offer a comprehensive range of imaging, including:
Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan is a common scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs, tissue or blood flow inside the body.
MRI scans for children
Paediatric MRI scans, delivered with expert care. Our safe, child-friendly approach enables us to make an early diagnosis while keeping your little one calm, supported and in trusted hands.
CT scan
Computed tomography (CT) scan is sometimes referred to as a CAT scan and shows detailed 2D and 3D images of your organs, blood vessels and bones.
EOSedge (a low-dose X-ray)
We’re proud to offer the EOSedge for children, which we use for patients with spine, hip and knee problems. The EOS uses an ultra-low dose of radiation to provide high-quality full-body 3D images of your child while they’re either seated or standing.
For children with ongoing concerns, such as scoliosis, that require regular scans, the EOS is both safer and more convenient than a traditional X-ray. Its faster imaging means it can scan your child’s entire spine in less than 20 seconds.
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Paediatric interventional radiology at HCA UK
What to expect
If your child needs interventional radiology, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re in safe hands when you choose HCA UK. We’re here to guide you through each stage so you understand what’s happening. Your child’s team of specialists will ensure you and your child feel at ease from the moment you arrive.
01
Initial consultation
Your child’s consultant will take the time to understand their symptoms and review their medical history. They’ll explain how interventional radiology may help and walk you and your child through what to expect. This first appointment gives you the chance to ask questions and feel more confident about your child’s treatment plan.
02
Tests and scans
If your child needs any further scans or tests, your child’s consultant will explain what each test is for and why they’re needed, so you stay informed at every step. Our paediatric radiographers are experienced in caring for children and will help your child stay calm throughout the procedures.
03
Results
Once the results are ready, your child’s consultant will talk you through them. They’ll explain what the images show and what this may mean for your child. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, share concerns and understand the options, so you feel more prepared for the next stage.
04
Follow-up care
During your child’s paediatric interventional radiology follow-up appointment, their consultant will outline a personalised treatment plan. They’ll also make sure you have the information you need once you’re home, including who to contact if you’ve got questions between appointments.
Our Location
Where can my child have interventional radiology?
When your child needs expert care, we’re here for them – and you – with our state-of-the-art imaging facilities at The Portland Hospital.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Paediatric interventional radiology FAQs
After your child has had their scan or X-ray, the results will be reviewed by your consultant. They’ll discuss the results and any next steps, if required, with you and your child in a follow-up appointment.
At The Portland Hospital, we use paediatric interventional radiology to carry out a range of procedures, including:
- Central venous catheter (CVC) insertions. A CVC is a tube that is inserted into a vein to deliver intravenous drugs, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics and blood products. It means your child can have treatment without the need for an injection each time.
- Vascular interventions which include treating blood vessel abnormalities. We inject a special x-ray dye into the child’s blood vessel and use live x-rays to image the flow and determine any abnormalities. This is called angiography. In cases where the vessel is narrowed, the consultant may use a small balloon to expand the narrowing, a procedure known as angioplasty. If the narrowing is substantial, the consultant may want to insert a stent across the narrowing to keep the vessel open.
- Biopsies – taking tissue samples
- Drainage procedures – removing fluid or abscesses
- Gastrostomy, jejunostomy and gastro-jejunostomy feeding tube insertions
- Nephrostomy and ureteric stent insertions
- Sclerotherapy – injections to shrink blood vessel malformations under the skin
- Varicocele (testicular lumps)
- Embolisations (stopping blood flow to a blood vessel)
By carrying out a procedure in a minimally invasive way using live images, we can ensure greater accuracy than with invasive surgery. Other benefits include reduced pain, a reduced risk of infection, and a faster recovery time for your child.
We carry out biopsies using interventional radiology to diagnose conditions, such as cancer, liver disease and kidney disease. We realise this can be a worrying time for you and your child, and your consultant will take the time to listen and discuss any concerns you may have ahead of the biopsy and in your follow-up appointment.
Our patients’ stories
Treating Helaina's heart rhythm disorder
Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
Bode's successful spinal surgery at just 14
Bode's (14) surgery fitted her with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. Comparing the before and after X-Rays, they managed to make her spine perfectly straight which Bode says, "was incredible.” She’s now reassuring other young patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.
Solving Alex’s undiagnosed heart condition
At the age of 12, dancer Alex Brookes began experiencing irregular heart palpations. After initially being told it was nothing to worry about, her symptoms persisted and her mum decided it was best to seek medical advice and chose The Portland Hospital.
“Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.