Interventional radiology procedures are an advance in medicine that often replace open surgical procedures. They are generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times than open surgery.
IRs and imaging services
Interventional radiologists (IRs) are radiology physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments that are performed using imaging for guidance. IRs use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments, such as catheters, through blood vessels or other pathways to treat diseases percutaneously (through the skin).
Common interventional procedures
These procedures are typically less invasive and are sometimes less expensive than traditional surgery or other treatments. Some common types are:
- Aortography & peripheral angiography
- Stents
- Lytic therapy (dissolving clots in arteries and veins).
- Angioplasty
- Dialysis Access Management
- Central vein access including PICCS, ports, central lines and recanalization
- Uterine fibroid embolization
- Vertebral body augmentation including vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty
- Discography
- Thoracentesis (chest tubes/aspira tube placement for drainage of chronic effusions)
- Paracentesis (Aspira tube placement for ascites).
- Transjugular liver biopsy
- Gastrostomy (placement and management, nasogastric tube placement)
- Pulmonary angiography
- Vena cava filters (placement and removal)
- RFA and laser ablation for varicose veins
- Chemoembolization for tumors
- Radiofrequency tumor ablation
- CT/US biopsies and drainage
- Nephrostomy/urinary tract interventions
- Biliary and gallbladder drainage