What Is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the diagnosis and evaluation of certain conditions using small wires and catheters while watching the progress of a procedure using imaging equipment. These procedures are considered minimally invasive and are performed through a very small cut in the skin. They are much easier than having surgery because they involve no surgical incisions and cause much less pain. An interventional radiologist is a physician who specializes in performing these procedures.
Commonly performed interventional radiology procedures include:
- Biopsy and Aspiration
- Drainage Procedures
- Gastrostomy Feeding Tube Placement
- General Interventions
- Infertility
- Neurological Interventions
- Percutaneous Cholecystogram
- Venous Access Procedures
Patient Preparation
You may be seen in our interventional radiology clinic to speak to the nurse or interventional radiologist to discuss the procedure and have pre-procedural imaging. While many procedures are done on an outpatient basis, some of the more extensive procedures will be performed in a hospital setting. Please give your interventional radiologist a list of any medications you take when you come in for your procedure. The radiologist will work with your primary physician to help determine the best treatment plan.