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Read MoreImaging isn’t used only for diagnosing conditions; it can also be a powerful tool in minimally invasive treatment methods. Interventional radiologists can diagnose and treat conditions using minimally invasive procedures at our imaging locations, including one of our outpatient AMI at Inspira facilities.
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology where radiologists perform minimally invasive procedures using image guidance from X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasound. These procedures are usually performed with needles, catheters or other minimally invasive instruments that eliminate the need for large incisions.
How Interventional Radiology Works
During an interventional radiology procedure, physicians insert instruments through small incisions in the body. Medical imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or ultrasound, is used to guide the instruments through your body to perform the needed intervention.
Types of Interventional Radiology Procedures
Inspira and AMI at Inspira radiologists use a variety of interventional radiology procedures to treat diseases. The types of procedures include:
- Angioplasty: A procedure used to unblock or repair blood vessels
- Embolization: A method of blocking blood flow to cancer cells using procedures including Y-90 radioembolization and uterine fibroid embolization
- Stenting: A treatment method that uses mesh tubes to repair narrow or weak arteries
What to Expect When You Have an Interventional Radiology Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures take only a few hours to complete, and you can typically go home the same day. You will be awake during the procedure—it’s rare for patients to receive anesthesia for these types of procedures. Your surgeon will make small incisions in order to insert the instruments into your body, and will navigate using an imaging technique.
Interventional radiology procedures usually have fewer complications, less pain and faster recovery times than traditional open or laparoscopic procedures.
