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Dr. Asif Aziz, MD is a radiologist in St. Louis, MO specializing in vascular & interventional radiology, radiology (x-ray and medical imaging) and physician. He graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in 2019 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Asif Aziz, MD is affiliated with SSM Health and SLUCare Physician Group.
Angiogram (Angiography)
Angiography is the use of x-rays to examine blood vessels, especially in order to identify any blocked or misshapen vessels that may cause problems. The test itself is called an angiogram. Some of the disorders that angiograms can be used to diagnose include:
During an angiogram, the doctor inserts a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel through an opening in the groin or arm. The catheter is threaded through the body to the site of the suspected problem, where a small amount of dye is injected into the bloodstream and x-rays are taken. The dye makes the surrounding blood vessels visible via x-ray.
If necessary, certain procedures can be performed after an angiogram while the catheter is in place. Angioplasty is the use of a catheter to widen narrowed or blocked arteries. Stents are like tiny coiled springs that hold blood vessels open, and they can be placed during a catheterization. Damaged heart valves can also be repaired or replaced.
A typical angiogram takes about an hour to perform, but it may be longer if the catheterization is used to perform procedures on the blood vessels. It may be uncomfortable at times but is usually not painful. Afterwards, patients may be monitored for up to six hours to make sure any bleeding from the insertion site has stopped. They are given fluids to help flush the dye from their body. For a day or two after an angiogram it is important for patients to drink plenty of fluids and keep strenuous activity to a minimum.
Radioembolization (Selective Internal Radiation Therapy)
Radioembolization, or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiation to treat liver tumors. By targeting the hepatic artery, or the main blood vessel that supplies the liver, radioembolization can cut off the blood supply to liver tumors. The tumors shrink, and minimal damage is done to healthy tissue. Radioembolization is a treatment option for tumors that cannot be removed by surgery or other radiation therapies, for liver cancer that is confined to the liver, or for liver cancer patients that have more than 3 months of life expectancy.
To perform radioembolization, a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and threaded to the liver. Radioactive beads, or pellets, are delivered through the catheter. The pellets will continuously deliver radiation for 10-14 days. The pellets will remain in the body permanently without causing any complications. If the tumor or cancer is confined to one portion of the liver, radioembolization will be performed in one treatment session. If both sides of the liver are affected, a second treatment session will be done about 8 weeks after the first.
Typically, most patients can return home and do light activity within hours following the procedure. Patients will be given medication to treat any possible side effects, which can include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, or tiredness.
Dr. Asif Aziz, MD graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in 2019. He completed residency at University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the Missouri State Board of Registration and has a state license in Missouri.
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (2019)
Residency: University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Affiliated Hospitals (2024)
Board Certification: Missouri State Board of Registration
Licensed In: Missouri
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Dr. Asif Aziz is a vascular and interventional radiologist who cares for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures that use advanced imaging to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions without the need for traditional surgery. Dr. Aziz has a particular focus on interventional oncology, providing innovative treatments designed to improve outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Aziz offers a comprehensive array of procedures designed to treat complex conditions with less pain and faster recovery. Dr. Aziz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology, section of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
