The Interventional Nephrology Program ay Ochsner includes a percutaneous-access service directed by an interventional nephrologist and staffed by an additional nephrologist and a dedicated access nurse. Services include:
- Placement of temporary or permanent hemodialysis catheters
- Peritoneoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement
- Bone biopsies
- Kidney biopsies
- Consultation for difficult access problems
Results are followed closely by the Access Task Force, which has developed a computerized model to facilitate data acquisition. Ochsner also performs routine, difficult and high-risk renal biopsy procedures under ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or CT guidance. Transplant biopsies are routinely performed as well. When it comes to laparoscopic peritoneal catheter placements, they’re scheduled as outpatient surgeries. Outpatient bone biopsies, meanwhile, are offered for the evaluation of metabolic bone disease or renal osteodystrophy.
