NKC Health expands interventional radiology services

NKC Health expanded access to advanced, minimally invasive procedures with the opening of a new interventional radiology (IR) suite in late May.

The new space will increase the health system’s IR capacity to two dedicated IR suites, along with a multipurpose room and two ultrasound rooms. The expansion will help improve patient access, support growing demand and allow care teams to respond more efficiently to both scheduled procedures and urgent cases.

“As an independent health system, we have the ability to respond quickly to the needs of our patients and community,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD, president and CEO of NKC Health. “This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation, collaboration and delivering the advanced care our region needs — right here at NKC Health.”

Interventional radiology uses advanced imaging technology, including CT, live X-ray and ultrasound, to guide minimally invasive procedures. These procedures can treat a variety of conditions through a small access point, often reducing recovery time compared with traditional surgical approaches.

The expanded space will support a wide range of procedures, including image-guided biopsies, port placements, tumor ablations and interventions to control internal bleeding. The new IR suite includes updated equipment with higher image quality and advanced imaging software to support real-time clinical decisions and help reduce radiation exposure during procedures. 

Designed to encourage collaboration, the expanded suite brings together specialties, including radiology, cardiology, oncology and gastroenterology. Its flexible design allows rooms to be prepared for different procedures, with some room turnovers completed in as little as 10 minutes.

This expansion reflects NKC Health’s continued investment in advanced care close to home. IR Supervisor Dan Schreiber, BSN, RN, said the program’s growth has been driven by the dedication of teams across the organization.

“The program has grown tremendously,” Schreiber said. “Now we have the environment to match that growth. And it takes all of us — clinicians, physicians, analysts, schedulers, environmental services, information technology team members, executive assistants and more — to deliver the safe, reliable care our patients count on.”

About NKC Health

For nearly 70 years, NKC Health has worked to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across our region. We keep that promise every day by bringing innovative, comprehensive care that’s always delivered with kindness. From our Level II neonatal intensive care unit to award-winning, Joint Commission–accredited programs, each distinction reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare. We provide a lifetime of care through leading cardiovascular, orthopedic, cancer, women’s and other specialty services. With more than 4,700 staff members — including over 600 dedicated physicians — along with specialists and caregivers across 35 locations and counting, we offer everything you need to live your healthiest life. We can’t wait to welcome you.