Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR), also known as Interventional Radiology (IR), is a specialty providing minimally invasive, image-guided diagnosis and treatment of diseases. IR procedures are at the forefront of medical technology and offer a safe and proven alternative to open surgery with less recovery time than traditional surgical methods.
Although the range of procedures performed by interventional radiologists is broad, the unifying concept is the application of image guidance and minimally invasive techniques that minimize risks to the patient.
Our team of certified physicians is here to help you understand more about vascular and interventional radiology services in Central Oregon. To learn more about the benefits and risks of these procedures, please call our office and find out more today.
About Vascular and Interventional Radiology
In many instances, a vascular and interventional procedure is a quicker, safer, and more effective alternative to surgery. The vast majority of VIR procedures are performed as outpatient day procedures with a minimal recovery period. Incisions are rarely necessary and general anesthesia is usually not required. Since interventional radiology treatments are minimally invasive, a typical patient will have brief recovery with little or no hospital stay. VIR procedures offer a safe, effective, and patient-friendly alternative to traditional surgery.
Our vascular and interventional radiologists treat a multitude of diseases and conditions, which include:
- Cutting edge treatment of cancers by delivering chemotherapy directly from the artery feeding the tumor, delivering radioactive particles directly into the tumor from the feeding artery, or directly destroying tumors by inserting a needle which kills adjacent tumor cells with radiofrequency, microwaves or by freezing the tissue.
- Cancer Diagnosis – The vast majority of tumors in the body can be reached and safely biopsied using image guidance and needle techniques.
- Pulmonary Emboli – Life-threatening clots in the lungs can be removed by placing catheters into the pulmonary arteries and delivering medicine to dissolve them. IVC filters are also placed and removed.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease – Atherosclerotic narrowing or blockage of arteries, usually in the legs, causing claudication or leg pain with exercise.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair – Using aortic stent grafts placed from the leg arteries to treat aneurysms without a large abdominal incision.
- Venous Disease – Narrowing of veins causing blockage and venous stasis.
- Venous Disease – Outpatient treatment of varicose veins.
- Venous Thrombosis – Clots in the leg veins can be dissolved with medicine and cleared with additional VIR techniques and devices.
- Kidney Disease – Relieve blocked kidneys or ureters due to stones or tumors.
- Biliary Disease – Relieve blocked bile ducts due to stones or tumors.
- Embolization – Treatment of an enlarged prostate, scrotal varicocele and symptomatic uterine fibroids by blocking their feeding arteries from the inside with particles.
- Embolization of Bleeding – Often in the setting of trauma or bleeding from the colon, dangerous bleeding can be stopped from inside the affected artery by blocking it with foam, particles, metal coils or specially designed plugs.
- Dialysis Access – Poorly functioning dialysis grafts and fistulae can be significantly improved with treatment. Clotted access can be restored to normal function.
- Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations – Diagnosis and treatment using angiography, embolization and stent grafting techniques.
- Fluid Collections – Most abscesses, seromas and other fluid collections can be reached and safely sampled and/or drained using image guidance and needle techniques.
- Vertebral Compression Fractures – Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
Accreditations
Preparing for Your Vascular and Interventional Radiology Procedure
- Be prepared to provide information about your overall health and any allergies you may have.
- Bring a list of all medications you are taking, including prescribed medications, over the counter medications, herbs, and supplements.
- For an optimal exam, be sure to follow any exam prep instructions we give you regarding diet or fluid intake.