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Interventional Radiology

Today there are many conditions which can be effectively treated by interventional radiologists. Minimally invasive Interventional Radiology (IR) treatments offer less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

Interventional radiologists are highly trained, board-certified physicians that use imaging such as CT, ultrasound, MRI and fluoroscopy to help guide procedures. Interventional Radiologist use catheter based technology to diagnose or treat conditions in almost any part of the body instead of needing to directly look inside of your body with open surgery.

Interventional radiologists often are involved in treating cancers or tumors, blockages in the arteries and veins, fibroids in the uterus, back pain, liver problems, and kidney problems.

How are IR Procedures Performed?

Using imaging, like x-rays, CT or MRI, Interventional Radiologists see inside your body to pinpoint the exact location of the problem that requires treatment.

Catheters are guided through the skin or vascular system to reach the disease at the precise location necessary for optimal treatment.

What Conditions Can Be Treated by IR?

Interventional Radiologists treat a wide variety of ailments by delivering treatment directly to the source of the problem.

Cancer
Chemoembolization and radinembolization deliver cancer-fighting agents to the site of a tumor. Blood supply to the tumor is also blocked.  Radiofrequency ablation that heats and kills the tumor.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Balloon angioplasty is used to open blocked circulation in the legs that often causes pain when walking or performing many other activities.

Varicose Veins
Painful and faulty veins are non-surgically treated through the use of a laser or radio frequency, to improve circulation and shrink bulging veins.

Uterine Fibroids
Uterine artery embolization cuts off the blood supply to the fibroid, causing them to shrink die, and symptoms to subside.

Spinal Fractures
Osteoporosis and cancer patients with spinal fractures can have medical grade bone cement injected into vertebrae to reduce pain and reinforce the spine through Vertebroplasty.

Benefits of IR Treatments

While no treatment is risk free, IR procedures have lower risks than open surgery, providing advanced care for patients.  Other benefits include:

  • Most procedures are performed as an outpatient or with a short hospital stay.
  • General anesthesia is usually not needed.
  • Pain and recovery times are often significantly reduced.
  • Procedures may be less costly than traditional surgery.