Interventional Radiology: The Basics

What is Interventional Radiology (IR)?

Interventional Radiology (IR) uses imaging, like ultrasound, x-ray, CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy to look inside your body during minimally invasive procedures. Minimally invasive procedures use one or more small “punctures” to do the procedure instead of large incisions. The interventional radiology department can do some procedures that used to require surgery. IR procedures may be done to diagnose or treat a disease.

These procedures are done in an operating room (OR). You can often go home the same day.

Who makes up the IR team?

The IR team is made up of:

• An interventional radiologist (IR) is a doctor who is Board Certified in Radiology and is trained to do minimally invasive image-guided procedures.
• Radiology technologists and nurses often work with IR doctors.
  • The technologist helps during the procedure.
  • The registered nurse will check your vital signs and give medications to make you sleepy and for pain control.
• You may also see a Physician Assistant (PA) and/or Nurse Practitioner (NP) who will guide you through your procedure and let you know what to expect after it is done. You might see a PA or NP for your follow-up.

How is IR used in treatment?

IR can be used to treat many health issues, like:

• Cancer.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Varicose veins.
• Aneurysms.

Often, cancer is treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation. Some cancers that once needed surgery or chemotherapy can now be treated with IR. In some cases, IR may be used to manage side effects or to place a central line catheter.

Almost all patients with cancer will see an interventional radiologist at some point during their treatment. Depending on your type of cancer, you may see an IR provider as one of your primary physicians.

What are some types of IR procedures?

Some of these procedures are:

• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE).
• Radioembolization (SIRspheres or THERAspheres).
• Thermal Ablation:
  • Cryoablation.
  • Microwave or radiofrequency ablations.
  • Alcohol ablation therapy.
• Central Venous Access Devices (Port-a-catheters, Hickman catheters, pheresis catheters, and peripherally inserted central catheters [PICC] lines).
• Nutrition Supplementation Tubes:
  • Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes).
  • Jejunostomy tubes (J-tubes).
  • G-J combination tubes.
• Inferior vena cava filter (IVC filter) placement and removal.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), thrombolysis, and thrombectomy.
• Tunneled Intra-Peritoneal Drains (IP drains) and Denver Shunt.
• Tunneled Pleural Catheters (PleurX).
• Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic shunt (TIPS).
• Interventional Pain Management Procedures.

The IR team can help diagnose and treat your cancer or help manage certain side effects of cancer and its treatment. Talk to your providers about how an interventional radiologist may play a role in your care.