Interventional radiology, usually referred to as IR, is the image-guided, minimally invasive treatment of illnesses that formerly needed open surgery.

Interventional radiologists are on the front lines of clinical advances and the use of the latest image-guided technologies. They are board-certified physicians who have undergone training in both radiography and minimally invasive procedures.

Interventional radiologists address a variety of illnesses with minimally invasive procedures all over the body.

Procedures can last from 45 minutes to several hours, depending on the nature of your procedure.

You will be taken from the procedure room back to the patient recovery area at the end of your procedure. You may be able to leave within the hour, depending on the procedure that was performed and how you are feeling. However, please note that, in certain cases, it may be several hours until you are able to leave.

You are always advised to leave your non-essential belongings or valuables at home. Once you arrive, you will most likely be asked to change into a patient gown. Your clothes and shoes will be put in a patient belongings box, which you may carry with you into the procedures room.

Interventional radiologists are specialists in managing radiation and have received training in radiation safety. controlling radiation dose and have received training in radiation safety. Minimally-invasive procedures are guided by imaging equipment. You will be exposed to a certain degree of radiation as a result of several of these technologies working together, such as x-rays, MRIs, and CAT scans, to view inside your body minimizing radiation exposure.

Radiation-based diagnosis and treatment of patients has considerably advanced medical science and prolonged or saved countless lives. Radiation use, however, has some risks, just like any other medical procedure.

A nurse will explain to you all dietary and medication restrictions one or two days prior to your procedure.

You will be made as comfortable as possible during your procedure. Depending on your procedure, positioning sponges, warm blankets, local anesthesia, and conscious sedation are all available.

As physicians, interventional radiologists are more than just specialists who perform a procedure to treat your medical problem or disease. We practice coordinated care—in clinics and on collaborative teams—expertly, consistently, and in ways that help you achieve the best health possible.

Clinical care means we manage your health issues or disease treatment throughout the entire episode of your care–before, during, and after your procedure–and even throughout your lifetime.

Interventional radiologists often work—partnering with your primary care physician or referring specialist to provide you with total care.

Over the course of your treatment, you may move in and out of the interventional plan of care as your disease or condition changes. But your IR physician will remain an integral part of your care team every step of the way.