Interventional procedures can help provide diagnoses and may provide therapy in ways that are less invasive than surgery. These procedures consist of a team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are expert at performing procedures using imaging guidance. The Radiologists are trained in interventional procedures using ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital imaging (DSA).

Some of the procedures performed by this service include tissue and tumor biopsy, needle aspiration of fluid collections, catheter drainage of fluid, cyst puncture and analyses, ablation therapies (including cyst sclerosis and tumor ablation), balloon dilation, stent (wire mesh tube) placement and embolization. Whatever the specific intent, all interventional procedures involve manipulating tissues with the guidance of simultaneous imaging.

Biopsy
A tissue biopsy is performed to identify the type of tissue or fluid in a suspicious lesion. A small amount of tissue or fluid is extracted for examination under the microscope. More than one needle pass may be made under imaging guidance to assure the removal of sufficient material at the designated sites.

Fluid Drainage
Using imaging guidance, a small catheter is placed in the fluid collection to provide drainage to an outside container.

Ablation
Ablation is performed to remove unwanted tissues. For this procedure, either a high- energy material (such as laser energy) or a medication is injected into the abnormal or unwanted tissue. Following the procedure, the unwanted cells die and are removed by normal body processes.

Balloon Dilatation
Balloon Dilatation is used to widen or re-open vessels that have become narrowed or are restricting blood flow. Using imaging guidance a small balloon is placed into a vessel and inflated. The plaque or blood clot causing the narrowing is pressed against the vessel wall and normal flow is re-established.

Stent Placement
Using imaging guidance a small stent or wire mesh device is placed into the vessel. The stent provides an opening for the flow of the vessel to be maintained for long periods of time.

Embolization
Embolization is performed to shrink tumor growth or stop uncontrolled bleeding. Using imaging guidance, small materials or 'emboli' are placed into the vessel to prevent or control the flow of blood.

Some procedures require patient preparation.
Click here for Patient Preparation Instructions.

Locations for Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology exams are performed at the following locations:

Roper Hospital
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital