Interventional radiology uses image guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures. Some of these procedures are done for diagnostic purposes, while other procedures can help treat a condition. Interventional procedures are generally associated with less risk, less pain, less cost and shorter recovery times compared to open surgeries.

• Interventional Radiology Exams and Procedures at TRA

  TRA has a dedicated team of fellowship trained radiologists, Physician Assistants and a registered Radiology Assistant who all specialize in interventional radiology. These providers, along with our interventional radiology administrative staff, will ensure that you are kept informed and comfortable throughout the entire process, from the consultation to the procedure and into the recovery period.

• Find TRA locations for Interventional Radiology

  Search TRA Locations Interventional Outpatient Clinic

Types of Interventional Radiology
Procedures

Select Type of Interventional Radiology Procedure Angiogram, angioplasty and stenting Central venous access catheters (CVAC) Chemoembolization Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters Needle biopsy Ovarian vein embolization Paracentesis and thoracentesis Radiofrequency ablation Thrombolysis Uterine fibroid embolization Varicocele embolization VenaCure Vertebroplasty

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• Angiogram, angioplasty and stenting

• An angiogram is an x-ray exam of the arteries and veins to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems. Angioplasty involves the widening of the artery with a small balloon, and in some cases, a small metal device called a stent is inserted to keep the blood vessel open.

  Watch the video below to see a stent placement.

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• Central venous access catheters (CVAC)

• A CVAC is a tube that is inserted beneath the skin so there is a simple, pain-free way for doctors or nurses to draw your blood or give patients medication or nutrients. CVAC’s are helpful for patients who regularly have chemotherapy treatments, infusions of antibiotics or other medications, nutritional supplements, hemodialysis or a gastrostomy tube.

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• Chemoembolization

• In chemoembolization, anti-cancer drugs are injected directly into a cancerous tumor using x-ray guidance. In addition, synthetic material called an embolic agent is placed inside the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor, in effect trapping the chemotherapy in the tumor.

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• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters

• Under x-ray guidance, an IVC filter (a type of vascular filter) is implanted via the blood vessels into the inferior vena cava (the large vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the lower half of the body into the right atrium of the heart) to prevent blockages and catch blood clots in the pulmonary artery. Depending upon the situation, IVC filters may be permanent or removable.

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• Needle biopsy

• Needle biopsy is a procedure used to identify the cause of a lump or mass, or other abnormal condition in the body. During the procedure, the radiologist inserts a small needle, guided by imaging, into the abnormal area to gather a sample of the abnormal tissue. The biopsy is then given to a pathologist who looks at it under a microscope to determine what the abnormality is – for example: cancer, a noncancerous tumor, infection or scar tissue.

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• Ovarian vein embolization

• Ovarian vein embolization is a treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome, a painful condition that causes varicose veins in the pelvis, and that can affect the uterus, ovaries and vulva. Ovarian vein embolization is performed using image guidance in order to close the affected veins, thus alleviating the pain and helping to minimize the damage to nearby reproductive organs.

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• Paracentesis and thoracentesis

• Paracentesis is a medical procedure involving image-guided needle drainage of fluid from a body cavity, most commonly the abdomen. Thoracentesis is an image-guided procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

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• Radiofrequency ablation

• Radiofrequency ablation, sometimes referred to as RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment for cancer. It is an image-guided technique that heats and destroys cancer cells, commonly used for tumors in the liver.

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• Thrombolysis

• This catheter-directed procedure, done under image guidance, is designed to rapidly break up a clot (usually in the leg), restore blood flow within the vein, and potentially preserve valve function to minimize the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome.

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• Uterine fibroid embolization

• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroid tumors of the uterus. Using x-ray guidance, a catheter is directed to the uterine arteries that are supplying blood to the fibroids. Tiny particles that block blood supply to the tumors are released, causing the fibroids to shrink in size.

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• Varicocele embolization

• Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins in the testicle. Varicocele embolization is performed using image guidance in order to close the affected veins, thus alleviating the pain and helping to minimize the chances of atrophy or fertilization problems.

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• VenaCure

• Venacure is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins in the leg. Venacure is performed using image guidance in order to close the affected veins, thus alleviating the pain and self-consciousness associated with the varicose veins. Free consultation sessions are offered each month at TRA’s Interventional Radiology Outpatient Clinic.

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• Vertebroplasty

• Vertebroplasty is a treatment for painful vertebral compression fractures that fail to respond to conventional medical therapy and pain management. The procedure uses imaging guidance to stabilize the collapsed vertebra with the injection of medical-grade bone cement into the spine. Patients usually feel pain relief or elimination within 48 hours of the procedure.