Meet the Experts

Dr. Brian Schiro

Interventional Radiologist with Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Videos

Learning About Spinal Compression Fractures

Dr. Brian Schiro, Interventional Radiologist with Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, says when a compression fracture occurs the bone squishes down on itself, because the bone is not able to support the weight of the body. Dr. Adam Geronemus, Associate Director of the Fibroid Center at South Miami Hospital, explains any inflammation of the joints that stops the freedom of movement would cause pain with each movement.

Symptoms Of Spinal Compression Fractures

Severe back pain with movement; improved pain with standing, sitting, or lying down; limited movement in spine; nerve damage; and decrease in your height are some of the symptoms of spinal compression fractures. Dr. Brian Schiro, Interventional Radiologist with Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, says many patients feel this pain when they are getting out of bed in the morning or when they are getting up from a chair. "That's typically what causes the majority of pain in these patients."

Angioplasty For Treating P.A.D.

Dr. Brian Schiro, Interventional Radiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, explains angioplasty is for patients that fail conservative treatment and still have claudication or critical limb ischemia and have not improved on medical treatment. According to him, angioplasty consists on a balloon inserted into the blood vessels and by inflating the balloon this would cause the plaque to expand and to get crushed and pushed inside the wall of the blood vessel. So, this opens up the flow channel and allows blood to flow back through the blood vessel.

P.A.D Vs. D.V.T.

Dr. Brian Schiro, Interventional Radiologist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, explains D.V.T. (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is when a blood clot builds up in the veins prohibiting the blood from flowing out of the legs. Dr. James Benenati, Director, Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, says P.A.D (Peripheral Arterial Disease) and D.V.T. are very different: "One is caused by atherosclerosis and the other is caused by blood that isn't flowing. While many patients with PAD get DVT and viceversa, they're really caused by different things, but the reason we lump them together is because they both affect the legs".

Metastatic Spinal Lessions: Treatment

Dr. Brian Schiro, Interventional Radiologist with Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, explains metastasis occurs with different frequencies depending on what type of cancer the patient has. "Most patients when they have staged four cancers they have metastasis that have spread to other parts of the body. The bone is one of those spots where this metastasis can form." He also says ablation is a treatment to deal with the pain. "We are able to put a needle into the vertebral body, and this is a particular need that has radio frequency signals on it. What happens is that radio frequency signal heats up in that location at the tip of the needle and it basically kills any of the bone tumors that are in there."

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed in the programs on this channel and website are intended to address specific questions asked or situations described in each particular program, are for educational purposes only, and are not designed to constitute advice or recommendations as to any disease, ailment, or physical condition. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in these programs without seeking the advice of your personal physician or a qualified medical provider. If you have any questions about the information or opinions expressed, please contact your doctor or other medical professional.

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