When a 27-year-old woman presented with dangerously high blood pressure and an adrenal tumor, her primary care physician referred her to the new Interventional Radiology Clinic at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. The clinic’s team suspected that her adrenal glands, rather than her heart, were responsible for the condition.
To identify the cause, doctors used Adrenal Vein Sampling (AVS), a diagnostic test that collects blood samples directly from each adrenal gland. This method helps determine if one or both glands are producing excess hormones, which can inform treatment decisions such as targeted surgery or medication management.
“This procedure gives us a way to see what’s really happening inside the adrenal glands rather than guessing from lab work or imaging alone,” said Dr. Sivaram Pillai, the interventional radiologist who performed the test. “For patients who have been living with severe or resistant high blood pressure, these answers can be life-changing.”
Previously, patients in Volusia County would have needed to travel several hours to larger academic hospitals for this type of testing. Now, due to increased investment in advanced imaging and interventional radiology at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, local residents have access to these specialized services closer to home.
The Interventional Radiology clinic treats a variety of conditions including cancer and blood clots using minimally invasive techniques. “This advancement reflects our commitment to offering world-class care right here, close to home,” said Dr. Dennis Hernandez, CEO of AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “Our Interventional Radiology clinic is a great example of how we’re expanding access to highly specialized procedures—from complex diagnostic tests like adrenal vein sampling to treatments for cancer, blood clots, and more. When a patient walks through our doors—whether through the ER or for a scheduled procedure—they deserve the same level of expert, compassionate care they would find anywhere in the country.”
AdventHealth Orlando is part of this broader network and has served as a major hospital in Orlando since its founding in 1908. The hospital is led by President Terry Shaw and includes facilities such as a pediatric ward and training programs for medical professionals.
