Frequently Asked Questions

Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing high tech field of medicine which uses minimally invasive procedures instead of surgery to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer. Interventional radiology, sometimes called IR, is a desirable option for many patients.

Compared to an open surgery, interventional radiology offers various advantages - 

• less pain
• reduced risk of complications, and
• shortened hospital stays.
• Most IR procedures are outpatient with little or no recovery time.

Interventional radiologists do these procedures by inserting very small instruments like needles, wires, or catheters into an artery or vein. Through a tiny hole no bigger than a few millimeters, interventional radiologists can reach nearly every organ in the body to perform procedures. There's no need for large surgical incisions. Doctors use live medical imaging such as x-rays or ultrasounds to guide their instruments inside the body.

IR can deliver radiation or chemotherapy or heat directly to cancerous tumors in the liver, kidneys, or lungs, minimizing exposure to help the organs and tissue. Interventional radiology can treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate by injecting tiny microspheres into the prostate artery. The blood flow to the prostate can be cut off, causing it to shrink. IR can stop severe menstrual bleeding or pain caused by uterine fibroids. Doctors halt blood flow to the fibroids and cause them to shrink, avoiding the need for a hysterectomy.

An IR procedure called endoAVF connects an artery to a vein, providing stronger wider veins for kidney dialysis. It's done using specialized catheters including some with magnets, so there's no need for an incision in the arm. Interventional radiology is used to treat patients of all ages from small children to seniors. It's also a good option for patients who are in poor health or have undergone numerous prior surgeries.