Interventional Radiology: An alternative to surgery
Using imaging technology, interventional radiologists can visualize the inside of the body to perform procedures and treat illnesses, making some traditional surgeries unnecessary.
There is more to radiology than diagnosis.
Interventional Radiology (IR) is a subspecialty of radiology in which physicians use images from X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs to guide procedures that can diagnose, treat or manage conditions without conventional surgery.
How image-guided, minimally invasive procedures work
IR doctors create a small incision in the skin through which they insert tools like wires, catheters, or balloons. Patients are sedated, which avoids the risks of general anesthesia and long operations.
These procedures take place in an IR suite, which is minimally invasive operating room equipped with CT scans, ultrasound and other diagnostic tools. Machines let the radiologist see inside the body on a screen as they insert the small tools into arteries, blood vessels, and organs to remove blockages, stop bleeding, treat tumors, fix collapsed spinal bones, drain fluid and more.
Why choose interventional radiology?
IR procedures are less invasive than conventional surgery. They carry a lower risk of bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs. Recovery is faster, and most patients go home the same day. All of this comes at a lower cost than surgery.
An interventional radiologist offers minimally invasive procedures that cover a range of specialties:
Arterial Procedures
- Angiograms
- Ballooning and Stenting (Angioplasty)
- Removing Blood Clots (Thrombectomy)
- Stopping Bleeding (Embolization)
- Arterial Line Placement
Venous Procedures
- Venograms
- Clot Removal in Veins (DVT) or lungs (PE)
- IVC Filter Placement/Removal
- Foreign Object Removal
- IV, monitoring and central line placement
- Varicose Vein Treatments
- TIPS Procedure
- Hormone Testing via Veins
- Dialysis Access & Support
- Fistula and Graft Care
- Medication Delivery
Image-Guided Procedures
- Biopsies
- Drainage of Infections or Fluid
- Fluid Removal
- Joint and Spine Injections
- PleurX Catheter Placement
Lymphatic Procedures
- Lymphatic system diagnosis and treatment
Kidney & Urinary Tract (GU) Procedures
- Nephrostomy Tubes
- Ureteral Stents
- Suprapubic Catheters
Digestive Tract (GI) Procedures
- Biliary Drainage and Stents
- Feeding Tube Placement
Spine & Nerve Procedures
- Spinal Fluid Checks
- Vertebral Procedures
- Pain and Medication Management
Women’s Health IR
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
- Pelvic Pain Treatments
- Fallopian Tube Reopening
- Hysterosalpingograms (HSG)
Find out more about interventional radiology and image-guided procedures.
The field of IR is expanding and now includes all specialties of medicine. After medical school, interventional radiologists complete a four-year residency in diagnostic and interventional radiology and a one-year fellowship in IR. Many pursue further training in IR sub-specialties.
Before undergoing any procedure to improve your health, it is important to investigate all your options. IR may offer alternatives for your health conditions. Be sure to ask your referring physician if an appointment with an interventional radiologist is right for you.
