Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is a branch of medicine, in which physicians diagnose AND treat diseases non-operatively through small catheters guided to the target by radiological imaging. The procedures they perform generally replace open surgical procedures. They are easier for patients because they involve less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times. Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay.

Interventional Radiologists (IR’s) are doctors who specialize in targeted, image-guided treatments. Following medical school, IR’s complete a five-year residency in Radiology, followed by a yearlong fellowship in Interventional Radiology.

Interventional Radiology provides a wide range of procedures including the following:

  • Balloon Dilation – To widen or reopen vessels that have become narrowed or where there is restricted blood flow
  • Biopsy – To assist in the identification of a suspicious lesion
  • Catheter placement – For dialysis catheters, feeding tubes and various drainage catheters
  • CT Microablation and Cryoablation – Minimally invasive cancer therapies for tumors in the lung, liver and kidneys, using extreme heart and cold
  • Embolization – Used to shrink tumor growth and/or stop uncontrolled bleeding
  • Filter Placement – Placed into blood vessels, this prevents blood clots from migrating to the heart and lungs
  • Fluid Drainage – Allows a small catheter to be placed in the area of fluid collection for drainage into an outside container
  • Radio-frequency Ablation – Uses a laser to remove unwanted tissues
  • SIR-Spheres – A treatment for liver tumors
  • Stent Placement – Used to place a wire mesh device (stent) into a vessel to create/re-create blood flow
  • Thrombolysis – A procedure used to restore blood flow by destroying blood clots
  • Uterine Fibroid Embolization – Treats fibroid tumors of the uterus
  • Vertebroplasty – Stabilizes compression fractures of the spine to alleviate pain

Patient preparation for interventional radiology procedures is dependent upon the specific procedure ordered by your doctor. Please contact your doctor’s office before your procedure for specific instructions.

At McLeod Regional Medical Center, Interventional Radiology procedures are performed on the First Floor of the McLeod Tower, 555 East Cheves Street, Florence.