Аcibadem Sistina – leading regional center for interventional radiology

The "Acibadem Sistina" clinical hospital became the only comprehensive center for interventional radiology in the Balkans where all types of vascular and non-vascular interventional procedures as well as all types of interventions for oncology patients can be performed in one place.

What makes this center special is the possibility that all thermal ablation techniques can be performed in one place: radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and cryoablation.

The Department of Interventional Radiology, where all procedures are performed, consists of experts trained in the field of radiology, with a focus on interventional radiology, is fully dedicated to the treatment of patients.

He is at the head of the team Doc. Dr. Aleksandar Gjoreski, interventional radiologist, who is also a pioneer in performing a large number of interventional radiological procedures in our country.

"We are proud to point out that today in Acibadem Sistina operates a unique and comprehensive center for interventional radiology, where all interventional procedures are performed, biopsies are performed and ports are placed, drainage procedures are performed, ablations, esophageal and biliary stenting, thyroid ablation, embolizations, hemoembolizations, peripheral stenting of arteries and veins, TIPS , porto-mesenteric interventions and neurointerventions such as endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms, treatment of malformations/fistulas arterio-venous, thrombectomy, treatment of spinal fistulas, etc. Patients have the opportunity to receive complete treatment in one place, starting from quick and accurate diagnosis to quality treatment," emphasizes Doc. Dr. Gjoreski.

Cryoablation – Destruction of the tumor without surgery

One of the newest ablation procedures performed with high quality in "Acibadem Sistina” is cryoablation. This method is used to destroy tumor cells by freezing the tissue.

A thin needle is inserted into the tumor under the guidance of computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The needles are connected to a special apparatus that generates very low temperatures, from -20°C to -40°C, destroying the tumor cells, while the surrounding tissue remains intact and healthy. 

"Through freezing and thawing cycles, the tumor cells are destroyed. This minimally invasive method enables us to target tumors even in complex localizations of the body, such as: kidneys, lungs, liver, bones, soft tissues and, in some cases, the pancreas. Cryoablation is also used for the treatment of some benign diseases, such as the treatment of peripheral arterio-venous malformations, hemangiomas, desmoid tumors and endometriosis. We are the only hospital that performs cryoablation, not only in our country, but also in the region, as this method is not available even in Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Bulgaria. I am proud of our department and the interventional radiology team, which consists of doctors, technologists, nurses and nurse assistants, who in a very short period of time have mastered this technique, which today has become a routine procedure for us. " says Dr. Gjoreski.

Neurointerventional radiology

At the Interventional Radiology Center, neurointerventional procedures are successfully performed, which provide minimally invasive or endovascular treatment for abnormalities of blood vessels in the brain. These abnormalities can cause acute hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke.

"Acibadem Sistina” is the only hospital in the state that meets all the conditions to be a comprehensive center for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. We have modern and more sophisticated equipment for diagnostics 24 hours a day, as well as an experienced medical staff that offers treatments such as intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy and intensive care. All these are offered in a specialized unit, where a multidisciplinary team consisting of neurologists, neuroradiologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and other specialists works. Adequate personnel and material conditions enable the solution of the problem from the onset of symptoms to the final treatment to be carried out as quickly as possible. According to world standards, this period should not last more than an hour, while in some cases the intervention is carried out within 30 minutes from the moment of arrival at the emergency center," says Dr. Gjoreski.

All types of minimally invasive treatments for cerebral aneurysms, arterio-venous malformations, fistulas, stenoses and thrombosis of cerebral and cervical arteries and veins are offered in this hospital.

Also, spinal interventions, embolizations of tumors and bleeding in the head and neck are carried out. Particularly important is the fact that the treatment of hemorrhagic cerebral strokes, caused by vascular anomalies, is carried out within the first 24 hours by a team consisting of experienced neurosurgeons and intensivists.

Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules is an innovation in "Acibadem Sistina"

Radiofrequency ablation is an innovation in the treatment of thyroid nodules globally. Recently, the Clinical Hospital "Acibadem Sistina” became a pioneer in the implementation of this procedure. To perform radiofrequency ablation, it is necessary to have clear indications, including a negative biopsy for malignancy, the size and location of the nodule, as well as the cause of discomfort.

Ablation of thyroid nodules is an appropriate solution for patients at high risk for complications during surgical interventions, such as the elderly or those with serious comorbidities. This method is also suitable for patients who wish to avoid surgery by avoiding complete anesthesia and hospital stay.

As a minimally invasive procedure, it allows for faster recovery and is associated with a low risk of complications.

The final decision to perform ablation is made by a multidisciplinary team, which includes a thyroid specialist, an interventional radiologist and a surgeon specializing in thoracic surgery.