VA Boston cuts ribbon on new interventional radiology suite

Vincent Ng, director of VA Boston HCS, and Dr. Ali Guermazi, chief of radiology at VA Boston and professor of radiology and medicine at BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, cut the ribbon.

“At the top of my wish list when I started here was to provide a state-of-the-art interventional radiology suite for our Veterans,” said Guermazi. “Interventional radiology can lower hospitalization rates since these procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis. It also lowers the risk for infection and other complications, including those from general anesthesia, versus open surgery.”

Interventional radiology, or IR, uses minimally invasive procedures and advanced imaging to treat conditions that once required open surgery. Patients treated this way can often return home on the same day, versus being admitted to the hospital for recovery.

The new IR suite at VA Boston features a hybrid system that includes a computed tomography, or CT, scanning and fluoroscopy imaging capabilities. It includes recessed tracks in the floor as well as a C-arm machine, providing flexibility for a range of procedures. 

“This project is the result of the vision, dedication and collaboration of a large interdisciplinary team from Radiology and Engineering at VA Boston,” said Ng. “It exemplifies our commitment to ensuring Veterans continue to have access to the exceptional care they have earned.”

Photo caption (photo linked below): Left to right: VA Boston Healthcare System staff members Dr. Michael Charness, chief medical officer, Dr. Ducksoo Kim, chief of interventional radiology, Dr. Ali Guermazi, chief of radiology, Melinda Conville, associate chief nurse for outpatient and specialty clinics, Kim Bowden, assistant nurse manager for interventional radiology, Jared Geer, interventional radiology technologist, Dr. David Allen, radiologist, and Robert O’Brien, radiology administrator, during the ribbon cutting for a new interventional radiology suite at VA Boston’s West Roxbury campus Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024. (VA Boston HCS photo)

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