Interventional radiologists are doctors who use imaging—such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI—to guide small tools through tiny incisions or blood vessels. This allows them to treat problems from inside the body without large cuts or long hospital stays.

Many IR procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.

Neurointerventional radiology

Neurointerventional radiology is a special type of IR that treats conditions in the brain, spine, and nervous system. These procedures use tiny tools and real-time imaging to treat problems like stroke, aneurysms, and abnormal blood vessels.

Because they target critical areas, these procedures are less invasive than traditional brain surgery. They’re performed by specially trained doctors and are highlighted separately to emphasize the advanced, specialized care available for neurological conditions.

At Carilion, IR is used for a range of conditions, including blood vessel disorders, cancer, women’s health, the brain and nervous system, and other complex medical needs. Your doctor may recommend it based on your diagnosis, overall health, and treatment goals, often working with other specialists. 

Below are common areas where IR may be part of your care.

Blood vessel and circulation care

IR is often used to treat problems with blood flow in the body. This may include:

• Vascular access: For patients who need frequent IV treatment, dialysis, or blood draws, IR can place ports or small tubes in veins. This helps avoid repeated needle sticks. IR can also fix or replace dialysis catheters and fistulas when they stop working.
• Blood clots (DVT and PE): Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) can be life-threatening and may lead to long-term complications such as pulmonary hypertension or chronic swelling and pain. IR can remove or dissolve clots using a small tube placed in a vein, without surgery.
• IVC filters: If blood thinners cannot be used, a small filter may be placed in a large vein in the abdomen to stop clots from reaching the lungs. These filters are often removed later when they are no longer needed.
• Blocked arteries: A small tube can be placed into an artery and contrast dye is used to see where blood flow is narrowed or blocked, including in the heart. These blockages can often be treated by opening the vessel with a balloon or placing a stent.
• Bleeding: Internal bleeding can happen for many reasons and can be dangerous. IR can help stop bleeding by guiding a catheter into the blood vessel and sealing it from the inside, often avoiding surgery.

Cancer care

IR helps diagnose and treat many cancers using imaging such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray.

Some tumors can be treated without surgery using heat or cold (ablation). In other cases, treatment like chemotherapy or radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor through a catheter.

Women’s and pelvic health

IR offers minimally invasive treatments for conditions like uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, and fluid buildup. These procedures use imaging for precision and may help avoid surgery.

Brain, head, and neck care

IR is used to treat conditions in the brain and nearby areas, including stroke, aneurysms, and narrowed blood vessels.

Treatments may include removing blood clots, repairing aneurysms, placing stents, and other image-guided procedures for the thyroid and head and neck region.

Pain and joint care

IR can help treat chronic joint pain using targeted injections. For knee arthritis, a procedure called geniculate artery embolization may help reduce pain by decreasing blood flow to inflamed tissue.

Urinary and prostate care

IR can treat urinary problems without surgery. For an enlarged prostate, prostate artery embolization can help improve urine flow. If the kidneys are blocked, IR can place a small tube to drain urine and relieve pressure.

Before your procedure, you’ll meet with your interventional radiologist to review your condition, imaging, and treatment options. Most procedures use local anesthesia and light sedation.

After treatment, you may be monitored briefly before going home. Your care team will provide clear instructions for recovery and follow-up care.