Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology is a branch of Radiology that specializes in the diagnosis of diseases, as well as, the treatment of conditions.

With the use of x-ray and other imaging techniques, the interventional radiologists use special tools, wires, and catheters to perform these procedures. Prior to beginning your procedure, you will be given a mild sedative, into an intravenous (I.V.) in your arm, to help you relax comfortably throughout the procedure. Your physician will need to schedule these tests.

Angiography

An x-ray procedure used to detect blocked or narrowed blood vessels. The test is done by injecting x-ray contrast through a catheter, which is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin. On occasion, instead of the groin, the elbow area (brachial) or the axilla (arm-pit) may be used. The catheter is moved to the area of interest and x-rays are taken as the contrast is injected.

Angioplasty

Angioplasty is used in conjunction with an angiography exam after a narrowed blood vessel is discovered. The approach is the same as the angiogram, but instead a catheter with a balloon on the tip is placed in the middle of the area of the narrowed blood vessel. The balloon is inflated, which opens the blockage in the blood vessel.

Embolization

An embolization is used in conjunction with an angiography exam after a hemorrhaging blood vessel is discovered. The approach is the same as the angiogram. Once the catheter is positioned directly in the area that is bleeding, a glue-like substance or embolization coils are injected to stop the bleeding.

Stent Placement

Stent placements are used in conjunction with an angiography exam, after a narrowed blood vessel is discovered. The approach is the same as the angiogram. Once the catheter is positioned in the appropriate position, a stent (a tiny, expandable device) is placed in the blood vessel to expand the narrowed area.

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