Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology (IR) is a branch of radiology that uses imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound, as well as thin tubes (called catheters) to assist surgeons and allow treatment for a wide variety of conditions and surgeries using minimally invasive techniques. Patients and doctors prefer minimally invasive techniques because they offer a targeted approach with a faster recovery due to less trauma to the body. Interventional techniques also offer the benefit of less pain, less (if any) scarring, shorter hospitalizations, fewer complications and reduced risk of infection.

In fact, many conditions that once required surgery can now be treated through interventional radiology, without the need for surgery and general anesthesia. IR procedures are now available to provide minimally invasive treatments throughout the body, including:

• Abdomen (intestines, kidneys, liver, stomach)
• Chest (lungs, respiratory system)
• Genitourinary (uterus, kidneys)
• Vascular (arteries, veins, hemodialysis access)
• Musculoskeletal (bones, joints, spine)

Procedures and Treatments

Orlando Health is pleased to offer a wide range of IR procedures performed by our highly trained and experienced interventional radiologists. These include:

• Abscess drainage
• Biliary blockage drainage and stenting
• Biopsies
• Central venous access, such as chest and arm ports
• Chronic fluid management with PleurX catheters and Denver shunts
• Deep vein thrombosis treatment
• Endovascular tumor therapy
• Feeding tube placement
• General interventional procedures
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and retrieval
• Kyphoplasty and  vertebroplasty to treat spinal fractures
• Liver-directed cancer therapy including chemoembolization (TACE), radioembolization with Y-90 particles
• Nephrostomy and renal stent insertion
• Pelvic vein embolization (ovarian vein and varicocele)
• Percutaneous tumor ablation
• Prostate embolization for enlarged prostate
• Transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt (TIPS) and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) to treat portal hypertension, often caused by cirrhosis of the liver
• Uterine fibroid embolization

If you have any questions concerning procedures offered by our interventional radiologists, please contact us at (321) 841-8104 (ORMC) or (321) 842-7604 (DPH).