Interventional Radiology Procedures

There are now a multitude of interventional radiology procedures available. In many cases, these “minimally invasive” procedures can replace more invasive measures (such as surgery) that were used in the past.

In turn, these techniques may have fewer complications, involve smaller incisions, cause less discomfort, and help people recuperate more rapidly than had been possible in the past. They are often less expensive. Some of the conditions that may be treated in this way are listed below.

  1. To Detect and Open a Blocked Blood Vessel
    2. Blood vessels that are blocked in the heart, legs, and lungs may be treated with interventional procedures.
    • Coronary artery blockages: Narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries may be treated with angiography, angioplasty, and stent placement. In these procedures, a wire is inserted into the artery and a balloon is used to open the narrowed vessel.
    • Deep venous thrombosis: When detected, clot-blasting drugs (thrombolytics) may be injected into a vein with the help of imaging. A balloon or stent placement may then be used.
    • Pulmonary emboli: When blood clots (deep vein thromboses) occur in the legs or pelvis, they may break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary emboli). When there is a large clot in the lungs, a radiologist may sometimes insert a catheter into the artery to break up the clot.
  1. To Block a Blood Vessel
    2.  Alternatively, interventional radiology may be used to block a vessel. For example, vein embolization may be done for varicose veins, whereas artery embolization (uterine artery embolization) may be done to treat fibroids.
  2. Treatment of Aneurysms
    3.  Aneurysms are sections of an artery than are dilated and weak and hence, are subject to rupture or bleed. Via interventional radiology, a radiologist may place a stent graft in the region of an aneurysm thus essentially relining the blood vessel.
  3. To Control Bleeding
    4.  As an alternative to surgery, interventional radiology may be used to control bleeding (hemorrhage) in conditions ranging from gastrointestinal bleeding, to postpartum bleeding, to trauma. Bleeding may be controlled by blocking a blood vessel (as noted above), placing a stent, using a balloon to apply pressure, and more.
  4. Central Line Placement
    5.  When a person is seriously ill, or will be receiving caustic medications such as chemotherapy, rapid access to larger blood vessels for infusion is needed. (Peripheral veins, such as a vein in the hand or forearm, are often insufficient.) Examples of central lines include ports and PICC lines.
  5. Feeding Tube Placement
    6.  The placement of feeding tubes (gastrostomy, jejunostomy) are a relatively common interventional radiology procedure. These are frequently used when a person is unable to eat food for any reason.
  6. Tissue Biopsies
    7.  A number of different types of biopsy procedures may be performed by a radiologist, and are often guided by ultrasound or CT. Examples include needle biopsies and stereotactic biopsies.

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