Interventional radiology (also known as IR) is the minimally invasive, image-guided treatment of medical conditions that once required open surgery. By harnessing the power of advanced imaging (ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and other innovative methods), interventional radiologists can see inside your body and treat complex conditions, even cardiovascular disease and cancer, less invasively and with unprecedented precision.
Interventional radiologists are on the front lines of clinical advances and use of the latest image-guided technologies. They are board-certified physicians who are trained in both radiology and minimally invasive therapies. Interventional radiologists work across the body to deliver minimally invasive treatments for a variety of conditions.
At CVOI, we believe in delivering the full spectrum of patient care with the highest quality possible. Our doctors are not only board-certified, but experts in their field and offer a variety of innovative minimally invasive procedures. Even better, we believe in the CVOI family experience and the personalized medicine approach. Everyone deserves the best possible health care with a personal and caring touch just as if they were family and that's what we intend to provide to all our patients. Here's what to expect with your upcoming procedure:
The first step is a consultation with our interventional radiologist (IR) at our clinic. After a careful evaluation by the physician, you’ll have a chance to discuss your problem or disease and the full range of treatment options, including alternatives to IR procedures, and associated risks and complications.
Ask all the questions you want. Be sure you understand any pre-procedure tests, required medications, special precautions, and necessary preparations. Together, we will agree on your treatment plan and next steps.
The day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at our IR clinic where our team of experts will prep you and answer any remaining questions. Unlike open surgery, most IR procedures are done under local anesthesia or conscious sedation (rather than general anesthesia) so you will be relaxed but awake during the entire process. If you have a procedure with conscious sedation, you must not eat or drink anything after midnight the previous evening. On the day of your procedure, please only take the approved medications discussed with your CVOI nurses. Take these approved medications with a small sip of water.
Now you’re ready for the IR procedure suite. Here, you will experience state-of-the art technology and a team of experts, led by your interventional radiologist, who will keep you comfortable during your minimally invasive treatment. Your care team will also take precautions to ensure optimum radiation safety. Your doctor will perform a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose or treat your condition.
Next, you will move to the recovery area. Your care team will review anticipated recovery and discharge times, restrictions when you go home, possible complications and necessary medications. You’ll learn when and how to communicate issues or concerns, as well as your return to see the interventional radiologist for follow-up care.
Most IR procedures are conducted through a tiny incision in the skin to deliver a precise, targeted treatment. These treatments typically have reduced risk, less pain, and shorter recovery times as compared to open surgery and general anesthesia.
Most IR procedures are conducted with either a local anesthetic or under conscious sedation. You will be awake, although sleepy and relaxed, but you may have some idea of what's going on during the procedure. In some cases, you might even be asked to participate in the process by holding your breath or moving a certain way.
Minimally invasive treatments mean you will experience less pain than with traditional, open surgery. It is unlikely you will feel discomfort during the procedure, and your IR doctor will take every measure to minimize any pain during and after the surgery. Be sure to tell your care team if you are uncomfortable at any point due to pain, and they will help you gain as much relief as possible. During the procedure, you may also feel some pressure as the IR physician guides the needle or instrument through your body. During recovery, your care team will continue to work with you to mitigate any discomfort you might experience.
While every procedure has a chance of complications, the rate of complications from minimally invasive IR treatments is typically very low, and most patients experience a speedy recovery. Interventional radiologists use the least invasive techniques currently available in order to minimize risk to the patient and improve health outcomes.
Due to the non-invasive nature of IR procedures, you should experience much shorter recovery times than with traditional surgery. Most IR procedures require only a few hours in an outpatient recovery area with same day discharge.
When you are released from the clinic, your IR will review your follow-up care plan. In some cases, you will schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to evaluate your progress and provide any ongoing care required.
From diagnosis to follow-up care, IR treatments are typically delivered in collaboration with an integrated care team. Because of the unique advantages of using non-invasive image-guided treatments, other doctors often call on interventional radiologists to treat particularly complicated situations.
The Capitol Vascular and Oncology Institute is a leading ambulatory care clinic in Maryland and the tri-state area which is dedicated to the care of disorders relating to circulation, oncology, women's health, urology, gastrointestinal and spine care as well as a number other various conditions and procedural needs.