Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology is an area of medicine which combines diagnostic imaging with minimally invasive procedures. Diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT scans and ultrasounds, are used in targeting, guiding, and monitoring the treatment that is performed by the interventional radiologist (IR). Interventional radiologists (IRs) use their expertise in reading x-rays, ultrasound, and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters and wires through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat a wide range of medical conditions.The general aim is to minimize the invasiveness of the procedure, resulting in a shortened recovery time. This often leads also to a less painful operation, a reduced need for general anesthesia, and a diminished risk to the patient.

Who are Interventional Radiologists

Interventional radiologists are medical doctors who are specialized in performing medical procedures that involve radiology. Radiologists use imaging equipment such as X-rays, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose disease. IRs are board certified radiologists that are fellowship trained in percutaneous interventions using guided imaging. Their specialized training is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

What Procedures do Interventional Radiologists Perform?

At NVRA our interventional radiologists perform a vast variety of procedures, including the following:

Angiography:
An x-ray exam of the arteries and veins to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems; uses a catheter to enter the blood vessel and a contrast agent (x-ray dye) to make the artery or vein visible on the x-ray.

Stent Placement:
A small flexible tube made of plastic or wire mesh, used to treat a variety of medical conditions (e.g. to hold open clogged blood vessels or other pathways that have been narrowed or blocked by tumors or obstruction).

Needle Biopsy:
Needle biopsy is a medical test performed by interventional radiologists to identify the cause of a lump or mass, or other abnormal condition in the body. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a small needle, guided by X-ray or other imaging techniques, into the abnormal area. A sample of tissue is removed and given to a pathologist who looks at it under a microscope to determine what the abnormality is -- for example, cancer, a non-cancerous tumor, infection, or scar.