Interventional Radiology procedure helping patients like Peter to recover faster

Peter Danzi says life has definitely thrown him a few curveballs.

"Five years ago I was diagnosed with bowel cancer," Peter said.

"Then earlier this year when I was at one of my routine follow-up appointments, they found a spot on my liver."

"While the cancer was trickier to remove than first thought, I also ended up losing my gallbladder, it was my recovery that was really concerning as a clot developed in my lungs."

A serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE), PE is caused by a blood clot blocking one or more lung arteries which can severely impact blood flow and oxygen exchange.

In a first for Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) and South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS), the Interventional Radiology (IR) team was used to perform an emergency PE thrombectomy on Peter.

In a collaboration between the Intensive Care Unit, respiratory physicians and the specialised IR team, they were able to successfully perform a suction thrombectomy procedure by inserting a catheter through a vein in Peter's groin while he was conscious.

FSH IR Lead, Matt van Wyk, said the minimally invasive procedure meant there was no need to perform major surgery, such as opening Peter's chest.

"The specialised IR team involving interventional radiology doctors, nurses and radiographers were able to remove a significant blood clot from Peter's lung," Matt said.

"Peter recovered quickly and was transferred to a ward from ICU the next day, demonstrating the value and effectiveness of modern IR techniques. 

"This approach allows interventional radiologists to treat a variety of conditions without the need for open surgery, offering patients faster recovery times, less pain and risks, and a shorter hospital stay.

"With PE being one of the leading causes of preventable in-hospital deaths, this is a win for patients, FSH and SMHS."

Turning 70 in January, Peter has always led a fairly active life. Between running his metal work engineering business and being a primary producer on his property in Baldivis, Peter continues to enjoy life's pleasures like spending time with his two sons and five grandchildren.

Peter and his wife have just returned from a much-anticipated road trip to Exmouth, a holiday they were able to take thanks to the procedure Peter says saved his life.

"I'm incredibly grateful to be here to tell my tale and I look forward to many more days spent fishing, boating and caravanning with my loved ones."

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