Interventional radiology, also called IR, uses imaging technology to obtain pictures from inside of the body to help guide minimally invasive surgical procedures. IR can diagnose, treat and cure many kinds of conditions using technology such as fluoroscopy (x-rays), MRI, CT, and ultrasound.
IR is more than just hardware; the human expertise behind this technology is what makes it so valuable in treating medical conditions. Interventional radiology providers from Radiology Associates work alongside Woman’s perioperative and imaging teams to provide this service. The Radiology Associates group brings more than 70 years of experience in full-service Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology.
Some of the most common procedures and conditions treated at Woman’s utilizing IR include:
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
- Epidural steroid injections
- Mediports (for infusion/chemotherapy)
- Peg tube (feeding tube)
- Biopsy
- Renal stents
- Nephrostomy tubes
- Blood clots (IVC filters)
- Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)
- Placenta Accreta
- Thyroid biopsy
Why choose IR?
IR reduces cost, recovery time, pain and risk to patients who would otherwise need traditional open surgery.
Because of this, IR has become the primary way to treat many types of conditions and the list is constantly expanding.
What does IR look like?
A sedated patient lies on a table with medical equipment above or alongside them taking images inside the body. These images allow the physician to guide needles and medical equipment through the patient’s body without making major incisions. They perform procedures, essentially from the inside out.
Your Interventional Radiologist
Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians. They attend medical school, then complete a four-year residency and follow up with a highly specialized fellowship in IR.
They are trained extensively in both diagnostic radiology and performing IR procedures.
If you think Interventional Radiology might be the right treatment option for you or you’re interested in learning more, visit our website or call 225-765-6470.
