Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology requiring advanced training and experience. This minimally invasive image–guided specialty is used to diagnose and treat diseases throughout the body. The goal of interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques.

Interventional Radiology Procedures

Interventional radiology has applications for virtually every part of the human anatomy. Additional details regarding specific procedures can be found on the American College of Radiology website.

Our radiologists have advanced training and experience to assist patients in a variety of procedures including:

Angiography (Arteriograms)

  • Diagnostic
  • Therapeutic:
    • Angioplasty
    • Stent placement
    • Thrombolysis
    • Embolization

Central Venous Access

  • Including Dialysis access

Cancer Treatment

  • Chemoembolization
  • Radioembolization
  • Thermal ablation

Image Guided Biopsies

  • Percutaneous
  • Transjugular liver biopsies

Liver Procedures

  • TIPS (Transjugular portosystemic stent)
  • Biliary interventions
    • Biliary drain
    • Biliary stent
    • Biliary stone removal
  • Portal vein embolization
  • BRTO (Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration)

Neurointerventional

  • Acute stroke, angiography and thrombolysis vs clot retrieval
  • Vertebroplasty
  • Kyphoplasty
  • Pain procedures (facet and epidural injections)

Palliative Care

  • Pain procedures
  • Gastrostomy tubes
  • Tunneled peritoneal drains
  • Tunneled intrathoracic drains

Renal Procedures

  • Benign and malignant tumor embolization and/or ablation
  • Nephrostomy tube placement
  • Ureteral stent placement

Venography

  • Diagnostic
  • Therapeutic
    • Angioplasty
    • Stent Placement
    • Thrombolysis
    • Embolization
  • Varicocele embolization
  • IVC filter placement and retrieval

Emergency Procedures

  • Angiography for acute bleeding
  • Stroke
  • Abscess drains
  • Biliary obstruction
  • Renal obstruction

How Is an Interventional Radiology Procedure Performed?

Interventional radiology procedures are customized to the patient’s condition. Generally, most procedures are performed under local anesthetic, and are minimally invasive. Some procedures require the use of moderate sedation for further patient comfort, and occasionally require general anesthesia.

The use of a contrast agent is common, which is injected near the area of the procedure. The majority of procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and you can anticipate a full day at the procedure center on the date of your procedure. We will carefully explain all aspects of your procedure with you before we begin and make every effort to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Preparing for Your Interventional Radiology Procedure

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your procedure. Additional information can be found at the Society of Interventional Radiology website.

Preparation for your interventional radiology procedure includes:

  • Please refrain from eating for 6 hours prior to your appointment
  • You may continue medications unless instructed otherwise
  • Please bring a driver to assist you on your return home