The Most Common Interventional Radiology Procedures

What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology (IR) is a specialized field of medicine that employs advanced imaging methods, including X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds, to perform minimally invasive treatments. These procedures offer patients less pain, shorter recovery times, and reduced risk compared to traditional surgery. This article explores some of the most common procedures performed using interventional radiology. DRI offers many of these procedures at our Alamance and Lake Brandt locations. 

Common IR Procedures

1. Angiography and Angioplasty

Angiography is an imaging technique used to visualize blood vessels and detect issues such as blockages, aneurysms or malformations. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream, making vessels visible on X-ray images. Angioplasty often follows an angiography if a blockage is found. A tiny balloon is inserted into the artery and inflated to push open the vessel, allowing better blood flow. A stent may also be placed to keep the artery open long-term.

2. Embolization

This procedure involves blocking blood flow to a specific area to control bleeding or reduce blood supply to a tumor. Small particles, coils, or other materials are injected into the blood vessels supplying the targeted area, helping to shrink tumors, stop bleeding or reduce abnormal growths.

3. Port Catheter Placement

A port catheter, commonly referred to as a port, is also known as a venous access device (IVAD) or port-a-cath, is a device implanted under the skin, providing easy access to veins for frequent medical treatments like chemotherapy, blood transfusions or IV medication. This method reduces the need for repeated needle sticks and provides a reliable, low-risk entry point for ongoing therapy.

4. Biopsy

In an image-guided biopsy, a thin needle is used to collect tissue samples from an area of concern, such as a suspected tumor or organ abnormalities. By using ultrasound, CT or MRI guidance, interventional radiologists can target specific areas with precision, minimizing discomfort and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue.

5. Drainage

Drainage procedures are performed to remove abscesses, cysts or other fluid collections that may cause pain, infection or complications. A catheter is inserted under imaging guidance to drain the fluid, which is especially useful for patients with abdominal or chest infections that need immediate relief.

6. Ablation

Ablation destroys abnormal or diseased tissue using extreme temperatures or chemicals. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation (freezing), and microwave ablation are some methods used to treat tumors in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs. This procedure is minimally invasive, targeting the abnormal tissue while sparing healthy areas.

7. Vertebral Augmentation (Including Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty)

These procedures help stabilize fractured vertebrae often caused by osteoporosis. In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it. 
In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inflated inside the vertebra before injecting cement, restoring height to the vertebra and reducing spinal curvature.

8. Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Used as a treatment for women suffering from symptomatic uterine fibroids, this procedure involves injecting particles into the arteries supplying the fibroids. By cutting off the blood supply, fibroids shrink and symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain are relieved, providing a less invasive alternative to surgery.

9. Central Venous Access

Central venous access involves placing a catheter in a large vein to provide consistent access for medications, nutrients, or blood products. The catheter is placed through a small incision and advanced to a large vein, usually in the chest or neck, to reduce discomfort and provide an entry point for extended treatments.

10. Chemoembolization and Radioembolization

These are targeted therapies for liver cancer and certain other tumors. In chemoembolization, chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to the tumor’s blood supply, often combined with agents that block blood flow, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness. Radioembolization uses radioactive particles to deliver radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

11. Thrombectomy and Thrombolysis

These procedures address blood clots that pose life-threatening risks. Thrombectomy involves the mechanical removal of a clot, often in cases of stroke, heart attack or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Thrombolysis uses drugs to dissolve clots and restore blood flow, particularly for patients with clots in the lungs, brain or legs.

12. Stent Placement

Stents are mesh tubes that help keep narrowed or blocked blood vessels open. They are often used in arteries or veins affected by atherosclerosis or other conditions that restrict blood flow. Placing a stent restores circulation and can be life-saving, reducing the risk of complications like heart attacks or strokes.

13. Dialysis Access Maintenance

For patients undergoing hemodialysis, maintaining access to blood vessels is crucial. Interventional radiologists perform procedures to remove blockages or repair fistulas and grafts used for dialysis. Regular maintenance is essential for effective dialysis treatment, preventing access site complications that could interrupt therapy.

14. Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement and Removal

IVC filters are small, cage-shaped devices positioned within the inferior vena cava—the primary vein responsible for transporting blood from the lower body to the heart. These filters catch blood clots that may travel from the legs to the lungs, helping to prevent pulmonary embolism. Filters can be temporary or permanent, depending on patient needs.

15. Percutaneous Nephrostomy

A nephrostomy is performed to relieve a blockage in the urinary system, typically caused by stones or tumors. A small tube is inserted through the skin into the kidney to allow urine to bypass the obstruction, protecting kidney function and reducing infection risk until the blockage can be addressed.

16. Gastrostomy Tube Placement

Gastrostomy tubes provide a long-term feeding solution for patients who cannot eat orally due to various medical conditions. Interventional radiologists use imaging to guide the placement of a tube directly into the stomach, allowing patients to receive adequate nutrition while minimizing the risk of complications.

Experience Expert Care with DRI Health Group

At DRI, our team of skilled interventional radiologists is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. We are proud to offer many of the interventional radiology procedures mentioned in this article. These IR procedures take place in our comfortable outpatient setting and are more affordable than traditional surgeries. We tailor our care to meet each patient’s needs to provide the best possible outcome. To learn more about how DRI Health Group can help, explore our Interventional Radiology services, talk to your doctor or call DRI at 336.433.5000.