FAQs

Interventional radiology (IR) is a branch of radiology that uses minimally-invasive, “pinhole”, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. These are usually outpatient, same-day procedures done in a comfortable, familiar environment. Image-guided medicine is simply the use of images (often from X-rays, CT scans or ultrasound) to guide medical procedures.

Some common IR procedures include biopsies, angiograms/angioplasties, vertebroplasties (for compression fractures of the spine), and drainages. IR procedures are often done with tiny needle-like instruments that are inserted easily. They can be used to treat conditions that were once managed with more invasive surgery requiring hospitalization and a lengthy recovery.

Yes. In general, you should take your medications as prescribed by your physician. The exception to this rule would be if your blood pressure is too low or if you are diabetic and your blood sugar is too low. If either of these conditions exist, please notify the staff so that we can make the necessary adjustments.

If you are taking blood thinners, you may be asked to stop them before the procedure.

No. All of our outpatient procedures are done using local anesthesia, which numbs the area being treated. This means that you will be awake and comfortable during the procedure, but you will not feel any pain.

No. You should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some procedures may cause some discomfort afterward, but this is usually minimal and can be controlled with over-the-counter medication. There will be no long hospital stay or long recovery!

Most procedures take less than 30 minutes. Some procedures may take longer, but this will be discussed with you beforehand.

Recovery varies depending on your procedure but you will usually go home within an hour or two after having an in-office procedure. Usually with just a Band-aid! For some procedures, you will receive a prescription for medications.