Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology: Advanced Care with Minimally Invasive Procedures
Interventional radiology (IR) uses image guidance and small incisions to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions throughout the body. Many procedures can be performed without traditional surgery, helping patients recover more quickly and return to daily activities sooner.
What Is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiologists are physicians specially trained to perform minimally invasive procedures using imaging technology such as ultrasound, CT scans and X-ray guidance. These procedures often require only a small incision and may offer less pain, shorter recovery times and fewer risks than traditional surgery.
Why Choose Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology offers many potential benefits, including:
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain
- Reduced risk of complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
- Personalized treatment plans
Our experienced team works closely with your primary care provider and specialists to ensure coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery. If you have questions about whether interventional radiology may be right for you, ask your provider or contact our team to learn more.
Interventional Radiology Resources
Jason Himmel, MD
Interventional Radiology
Peder Horner, MD
Interventional Radiology
We offer minimally invasive treatments to help restore urinary flow and relieve symptoms caused by blockages or other conditions, including:
- Nephrostomy tube placement
- Ureteral stent placement
- Treatment for obstructed urinary systems
Our specialists provide minimally invasive options for conditions that can affect quality of life, including:
- Uterine fibroid embolization for painful or heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids
- Pelvic congestion syndrome treatment for chronic pelvic pain related to enlarged veins
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure or other symptoms. During the procedure, tiny particles are used to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. UFE can provide lasting symptom relief without the need for major surgery or removal of the uterus. Most patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay and can return to normal activities within a few weeks.
What to Expect
- Procedure time: Approximately 1–2 hours
- Recovery: Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay. Recovery typically takes one to two weeks.
- When you’ll notice results: Symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure often improve within a few weeks, while fibroids continue to shrink over several months.
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
Interventional radiology can provide alternatives to surgery for certain men’s health conditions, including:
- Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) for enlarged prostate symptoms
- Varicocele embolization for pain or infertility related to varicoceles
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses image guidance to place tiny particles into the blood vessels that supply the prostate. This reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink over time and helping relieve symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, weak urine flow and getting up multiple times during the night. PAE is performed without surgery and typically requires little downtime, allowing many patients to return to normal activities within a few days.
What to Expect
- Procedure time: Approximately 1–2 hours
- Recovery: Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days.
- When you’ll notice results: Urinary symptoms often begin improving within a few weeks, with continued improvement over the following months.
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
Working closely with your oncology team, we provide advanced treatments for cancer and cancer-related symptoms, including:
- Tumor ablation for tumors in the liver, kidney, lung, bone and other locations
- Chemoembolization and Y-90 radioembolization for liver tumors
- Port placement for chemotherapy and long-term intravenous access
- Tunneled pleural and abdominal drains for fluid management related to cancer
Tumor Ablation
- Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that destroys tumors without traditional surgery. Using imaging guidance, a small probe is placed directly into the tumor, where heat or cold energy is used to destroy cancerous tissue. Tumor ablation may be used to treat tumors in the liver, kidney, lung, bone and other areas of the body. Depending on the type and location of the tumor, ablation may be used alone or as part of a larger cancer treatment plan. Many patients experience shorter recovery times and less discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
- What to Expect
- Procedure time: Approximately 1–3 hours, depending on the size and location of the tumor.
- Recovery: Many patients return home the same day or after an overnight stay. Most resume normal activities within a few days.
- When you’ll notice results: Treatment effectiveness is evaluated through follow-up imaging over the weeks and months after the procedure.
Y-90 Radioembolization
- Y-90 radioembolization is an advanced treatment for certain liver tumors, including cancers that begin in the liver or spread there from other parts of the body. During the procedure, millions of tiny beads containing a targeted form of radiation are delivered directly to the tumor through its blood supply. This allows a high dose of radiation to reach the tumor while limiting exposure to healthy liver tissue. Y-90 is performed by an interventional radiologist and is often used when surgery is not an option or as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.
- What to Expect
- Procedure time: The treatment itself usually takes 1–2 hours. Additional planning appointments are required before treatment.
- Recovery: Most patients return home the same day. Mild fatigue is common for several days after treatment.
- When you’ll notice results: Tumors may begin responding within weeks, with ongoing effects seen over several months on follow-up imaging.
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
Y-90 Radioembolization
- Y-90 radioembolization is an advanced treatment for certain liver tumors, including cancers that begin in the liver or spread there from other parts of the body. During the procedure, millions of tiny beads containing a targeted form of radiation are delivered directly to the tumor through its blood supply. This allows a high dose of radiation to reach the tumor while limiting exposure to healthy liver tissue. Y-90 is performed by an interventional radiologist and is often used when surgery is not an option or as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.
- What to Expect
- Procedure time: The treatment itself usually takes 1–2 hours. Additional planning appointments are required before treatment.
- Recovery: Most patients return home the same day. Mild fatigue is common for several days after treatment.
- When you’ll notice results: Tumors may begin responding within weeks, with ongoing effects seen over several months on follow-up imaging.
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
Y-90 Radioembolization
- Y-90 radioembolization is an advanced treatment for certain liver tumors, including cancers that begin in the liver or spread there from other parts of the body. During the procedure, millions of tiny beads containing a targeted form of radiation are delivered directly to the tumor through its blood supply. This allows a high dose of radiation to reach the tumor while limiting exposure to healthy liver tissue. Y-90 is performed by an interventional radiologist and is often used when surgery is not an option or as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.
- What to Expect
- Procedure time: The treatment itself usually takes 1–2 hours. Additional planning appointments are required before treatment.
- Recovery: Most patients return home the same day. Mild fatigue is common for several days after treatment.
- When you’ll notice results: Tumors may begin responding within weeks, with ongoing effects seen over several months on follow-up imaging.
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
We provide specialized procedures to treat liver disease and other gastrointestinal conditions, including:
- TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt)
- Feeding tube placement and exchange
- Biliary stone removal
- Biliary drain placement
- Partial splenic embolization
- BRTO for gastric varices
TIPS
- A Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) is a procedure used to treat complications of advanced liver disease, including fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) and bleeding from enlarged veins in the digestive tract (varices). During the procedure, an interventional radiologist creates a pathway within the liver to improve blood flow and reduce pressure in the portal vein system. TIPS can help relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of serious bleeding and improve quality of life for some patients with liver disease.
What to Expect - Procedure time: Approximately 2–3 hours
- Recovery: Most patients stay in the hospital overnight for observation and monitoring.
- When you’ll notice results: Relief from symptoms such as fluid buildup or bleeding risks may occur shortly after the procedure, though ongoing follow-up is important.
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
Our team treats a variety of blood vessel conditions using minimally invasive techniques, including:
- Peripheral artery disease causing leg pain or non-healing wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Bronchial artery embolization for coughing up blood
- Atherectomy, angioplasty and stenting
- Intravascular lithotripsy (Shockwave)
- IVC filter placement and retrieval
- Trauma embolization and intravascular foreign body retrieval
- Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis treatment
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
Interventional radiologists perform a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat conditions safely and accurately, including:
- Ultrasound-guided biopsy
- CT-guided biopsy
- Paracentesis
- Thoracentesis
- Abscess and fluid drainage
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
Interventional radiologists perform a variety of procedures to diagnose and treat conditions safely and accurately, including:
- Celiac plexus nerve block
- Genicular artery embolization for knee pain and arthritis
- Injections for sacroiliac joints
- Iliopsoas tendon injections
- Intercostal nerve blocks
- Kyphoplasty and radiofrequency ablation for painful spinal metastases
- Piriformis and pudendal nerve injections
Genicular Artery Embolization
- Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses image guidance to identify and treat small blood vessels that contribute to inflammation inside the knee joint. By reducing inflammation, GAE may help decrease pain and improve mobility. The procedure is performed through a small catheter and may be an option for patients who are not ready for knee replacement surgery or who are looking for an alternative treatment to help manage chronic knee pain.
- What to Expect
- Procedure time: Approximately 1–2 hours
- Recovery: Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days.
- When you’ll notice results: Knee pain may begin improving within several weeks, with continued improvement over the following months.
Before Your Procedure
Your care begins with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and explain your treatment options. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Before your appointment, our team will provide clear instructions about medications, eating and drinking restrictions, transportation needs and any required lab work.
During Your Procedure
Most interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance through a tiny incision, often no larger than the tip of a pencil. Depending on the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia, sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Our team will monitor you closely throughout your procedure and keep you informed every step of the way.
After Your Procedure
Many patients return home the same day. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most patients experience less discomfort and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Before you leave, you’ll receive detailed instructions about activity restrictions, medications and follow-up care. Our team remains available to answer questions and support your recovery.
