Interventional Radiology (IR)

Also known as: IR, image-guided procedures

What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology (IR) is when doctors use pictures or images known as “image-guided procedures” to help guide to the body part on the inside that needs to be treated or tested.

These procedures are usually done with tiny instruments, such as small needles, catheters or tubes to reach the internal areas needing the treatment or testing.

Doctors may use X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds to guide the medical instruments throughout the body to the area in need of testing. The IR doctor will decide which type of imaging machine is best to use for your child’s procedure or treatment.

IR treatments and procedures provide fewer risks, less pain, and quicker recovery time compared to open surgeries.

Interventional Radiology Procedures

General 

• Abscess drainage
• Biopsy, Imaging Guided
  • Breast
  • Liver
  • Renal
  • Soft Tissue Lesions 
  • Thyroid 
• Botox Injection Salivary Glands – Ultrasound Guided 
• Fine needle aspirations / Biopsies
• GJ Tube Placement / Exchange
• Microwave Ablation of Tumors
  • Bone Tumors - Osteoid Osteoma
• Paracentesis – Ultrasound Guided Tunnel Catheter Placement for recurring ascites
• Percutaneous Nephrostomy
• Thoracentesis
• Thoracostomy / Peritoneal catheter placement for palliative care

Diagnostic Neurointerventional Radiology Procedures

• Diagnostic Angiography
• Lumbar puncture – Ultrasound or Fluoroscopy guidance

MSK

• Arthograms
• Biopsy of Soft Tissue Lesions
• Ganglion Cyst Aspiration
• Joint Injections / Aspirations
• Sclerotherapy / Embolization of Vascular malformations

What to Expect During the Procedure

Step 1: Getting Ready

• From the radiology waiting room, you and your child will be brought to an exam room the “get ready room” where you will be seen by a nurse who will take the child’s vital signs and ask general questions about his/her health. Please state any known allergies, medical history and current medications at this time.
• Please feel free to bring your child’s favorite toy or activity to provide distraction while in the “get ready room”.
• In this room, you will meet the IR doctor who will go over the plan for your child’s procedure.
• Next, your child will need to have “pictures” taken with the scanner. The doctor checks and confirms the area needing testing or treatment.

  Step 2: Preparation

• Once the doctor checks the scan to approve the need for the procedure is still there, the IR team will begin to set up for the procedure.
• IR procedures are considered “sterile” meaning they must take place in an environment that is very clean and free of as many germs as possible.
• Caregivers may wait in the radiology waiting room and will be notified once the procedure is complete.