Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (141)

About the department

The Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler provides the full range of medical services in the areas of its competence. The doctors of the department conduct imaging studies and therapeutic interventional procedures under imaging guidance. Special attention is paid to modern imaging diagnostics – classical radiography, ultrasound examinations, mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The department's radiologists work on advanced medical equipment that allows detecting the slightest pathological changes in the organs and anatomical structures of the human body. In the field of ​​interventional radiology, particular focus is on sympatholysis, biopsies, drainage and CT-guided pain therapy. The department's medical team works in accordance with current clinical protocols and strictly observes radiation protection standards, which excludes the negative effects of radiation on the human body. The department is headed by Dr. med. David Bakker.

One of the most popular diagnostic tests is computed tomography (CT). CT scanning is widely used to examine various organs and parts of the body, from the head to the lower extremities. The method is a type of radiation diagnostics based on layer-by-layer scanning of tissues using X-ray radiation. Whenever required, the diagnostic examination can be carried out with contrast enhancement. The department's specialists also perform CT-guided punctures and biopsies.

An indispensable diagnostic method is magnetic resonance imaging, the essence of which is the formation of a computer image of the examined organ or part of the body using a powerful magnetic field. The duration of an MRI scan can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. If required, the procedure may be preceded by the injection of a contrast agent, which makes it possible to obtain more detailed information about the area of the body being examined.

The team of radiologists working in the department also successfully performs complex breast examinations. As of today, breast cancer is one of the most common types of oncology in women, so experts pay special attention to preventive examinations. The department's range of services in the field of breast imaging diagnostics includes classic ultrasound examinations, digital mammography, tomosynthesis and breast MRI. In addition, doctors perform such interventional procedures as ultrasound-guided biopsy, breast MRI and tomosynthesis. Should cancer be confirmed, the doctors of the department carry out preoperative X-ray-, ultrasound- and MRI-guided tumor marking.

The department enjoys an excellent reputation for providing pain therapy for the patients with chronic back pain. The therapeutic offer includes periradicular therapy, epidural therapy, facet joint infiltration and sympathetic nerve block. All of the above interventional procedures are performed under CT guidance, which guarantees their highest accuracy and efficiency.

The department's range of medical services includes:

•  Diagnostic radiology
  • Classical radiography and fluoroscopy
  • Ultrasound scanning (3D and 4D)
  • Computed tomography, including cardiac CT, CT angiography and CT-guided biopsy
  • Magnetic resonance imaging, including cardiac MRI, MR enterography and high-resolution multiparametric MRI of the prostate
  • Breast diagnostics
    • Digital mammography with tomosynthesis
    • Ultrasound examinations, including Doppler scanning, 3D and 4D ultrasound and elastography
    • Breast MRI
    • Ultrasound-guided biopsy
    • X-ray guided vacuum assisted biopsy
    • Preoperative tumor marking
• Interventional radiology
  • Periradicular therapy
  • Epidural therapy
  • Facet joint infiltration
  • Sympathetic nerve block
  • CT-guided drainage
• Other diagnostic and therapeutic options

Photo of the doctor: (c) Med 360°