Over the past few years, SCP Radiology has built a dedicated interventional radiology unit to improve patients’ access to minimally invasive treatment options. Today, the team performs interventional procedures daily with a growing number of clinicians referring their patients for specialised treatment under image guidance. 

Skilled radiologists and staff

 As one of its top priorities, SCP is paying significant attention to the strength of its interventional team. The unit, based at SCP Radiology Cape Gate, is led by Branch Manager Dr Arthur Winter, a well-known and widely respected neuro-interventional radiologist who previously headed a renowned in-hospital unit in Gauteng.

He works alongside a team of accomplished interventional radiologists, of whom Dr Mauritz Venter most recently completed a Fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at McMaster University in Canada. Similarly, Dr Siviwe Mpateni – who also obtained the European Diploma in Ischemic Stroke Intervention (EDSI) – will soon embark on a Fellowship in Interventional Radiology in Toronto. These programmes are designed for intensive practical training and to fast-track subspecialists’ exposure to cases in the field. 

The team is completed by Drs Braham van der Merwe, who completed his Fellowship in Abdominal Imaging at the University of Calgary, and Henno Schoombee, who also obtained the European Diploma in Musculoskeletal Radiology (EDiMSK) from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology.

They receive support from a group of compassionate radiographers, nurses, and administrative staff who are specially trained and experienced in interventional cases.

A range of interventional procedures

The specialised procedures that SCP offers include, but are not limited to, the following:

• mechanical thrombectomy, which is often performed in addition to thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke;
• endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment, with which neuro-interventionists can effectively treat the vast majority of aneurysms;
• treatment and guidance on arteriovenous malformations (AVM);
• pre-surgical tumour embolisation;
• epistaxis embolisation;
• inferior petrosal sinus sampling;
• transverse sinus stenting, which is a treatment for benign intracranial hypertension or pulsatile tinnitus;
• transcatheter embolisation;
• pain management techniques, such as coeliac plexus and nerve root blocks;
• advanced-technique biopsies such as lung and bone marrow biopsies.

Specialised equipment and facilities

Since stepping into his role as Branch Manager, Dr Winter has made significant strides in equipping the branch with the specialised equipment and capacity needed to deliver image-guided interventional services. The interventional-specific support team is also based at this branch, headed by an Interventional Coordinator to ensure an efficient workflow and care experience for patients.

Looking ahead, Dr Winter envisions establishing the Cape Gate branch as a known centre of excellence for advanced interventional radiology within the broader care network, especially as technology and continued research allow it to evolve.

Working with referring doctors

The team has always placed a strong emphasis on building trust and long-term relationships with the community of referring doctors. This is particularly important because referring doctors would know the clinical appropriateness of each procedure, and can make informed decisions about benefits, risks, safety, and potential outcomes for the individuals in their care.

“Interventional procedures have a specific role to play in support of our referring clinicians and their patients,” says Dr Winter. “[It] requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, and we collaborate to develop individualised care plans.

“Interventional radiology is fundamentally about access to treatment options and faster recovery,” says Dr Winter. “By strengthening this service for referring clinicians and their patients, we believe we can make a meaningful difference in the care pathway for some patients.”

Dr Winter invites referring clinicians who want to discuss minimally invasive treatment options for their patients, to make contact through the Cape Gate branch. Email capegate@scp.co.za or phone 021 983 1680.

• This article is intended to create awareness and none of the information it contains should replace the need for seeking personal advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
• Apart from selected screening examinations, all radiology procedures are performed upon referral from a qualified medical professional.