Diagnostic Radiology

Interventional Radiology

What is interventional radiology?
Interventional radiologists use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters (tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter) through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin). These procedures are typically much less invasive and much less costly than traditional surgery. They are generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, there is less risk and less pain. Interventional radiology procedures often result in shorter recovery times than traditional surgery.

Who are interventional radiologists?
Interventional radiologists (IRs) are medical doctors who are specialists in medical procedures that involve radiology. Radiologists use imaging equipment such as X-rays, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose disease. IRs are board-certified radiologists that are fellowship trained in percutaneous interventions using guided imaging. Their specialized training is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

What are the advantages of interventional radiology?

• Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay.
• General anesthesia usually is not required.
• Risk, pain and recovery time are often significantly reduced.
• The procedures are sometimes less expensive than surgery or other alternatives.

NOTE - - All radiology exams and procedures are performed by prescription only. A written physician's order is required in order to schedule an appointment.

To schedule an interventional radiology procedure, please contact Yale-New Haven Hospital Interventional Radiology Scheduling (203) 688-5127.

Click on an interventional procedure listed below to view information about that procedure.

• Angiography
• Balloon angioplasty
• Biliary drainage and stenting
• Central venous access
• Chemoembolization
• Embolization
• Fallopian tube catheterization
• Gastrostomy tube
• Hemodialysis access maintenance
• Needle biopsy
• PICC Line Insertion
• Radiofrequency (RF) ablation
• Stent
• Stent-graft
• Thrombolysis
• TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt)
• Uterine artery embolization
• Uterine fibroid embolization

Angiography An X-ray exam of the arteries and veins to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems; uses a catheter to enter the blood vessel and a contrast agent (X-ray dye) to make the artery or vein visible on the X-ray.
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Balloon angioplasty Opens blocked or narrowed blood vessels by inserting a very small balloon into the vessel and inflating it. Used by IRs to unblock clogged arteries in the legs or arms (called peripheral vascular disease, or PVD), kidneys, brain or elsewhere in the body.
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Biliary drainage and stenting Uses a stent (small mesh tube) to open up blocked ducts and allow bile to drain from the liver.
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Central venous access Insertion of a tube beneath the skin and into the blood vessels so that patients can receive medication or nutrients directly into the bloodstream or so blood can be drawn.
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Chemoembolization Delivery of cancer-fighting agents directly to the site of a cancer tumor. It is currently being used mostly to treat cancers of the endocrine system, including melanoma and liver cancers.

Embolization Delivery of clotting agents (coils, plastic particles, gelfoam, etc.) directly to an area that is bleeding or to block blood flow to a problem area, such as an aneurysm or a fibroid tumor in the uterus.

Fallopian tube catheterization Uses a catheter to open blocked fallopian tubes without surgery; a treatment for infertility.

Gastrostomy tube Feeding tube inserted directly into the stomach for patients who are unable to take sufficient food by mouth.

Hemodialysis access maintenance Use of angioplasty or thrombolysis to open blocked grafts for hemodialysis.

Needle biopsy Diagnostic test for breast, lung and other cancers; an alternative to surgical biopsy.

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation Uses radiofrequency energy to cook and kill cancerous tumors.

Stent A small flexible tube made of plastic or wire mesh, used to treat a variety of medical conditions (e.g., to hold open clogged blood vessels or other pathways that have been narrowed or blocked by tumors or obstructions).

Stent-graft Reinforces a ruptured or ballooning section of an artery (an aneurysm) with a fabric-wrapped stent, a small flexible mesh tube used to "patch" the blood vessel. Also known as an endograft.

Thrombolysis Dissolves blood clots by injecting clot-dissolving drugs at the site of the clot.

TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) A life-saving procedure to improve blood flow and prevent hemorrhage in patients with severe liver dysfunction.

Uterine artery embolization An embolization procedure of uterine arteries to stop life-threatening postpartum bleeding, potentially preventing hysterectomy. The same procedure is used to treat fibroid tumors and is then called UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization).

Uterine fibroid embolization An embolization procedure of uterine arteries to shrink painful, enlarged, benign tumors in the uterus. When used on arteries, it is called UAE (Uterine Artery Embolization)

For further information about Interventional Radiography, please go to RadiologyInfo.com

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Last revised: Sept. 18, 2007 (dh)

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All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.