What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses advanced imaging technology — such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI — to guide minimally invasive procedures inside the body. Instead of large surgical incisions, interventional radiologists work through tiny punctures or natural body openings, using real-time imaging to navigate instruments precisely to the treatment site.

How is IR Different from Traditional Surgery?

Smaller access: Procedures are performed through punctures the size of a pinhole, not large incisions
Image guidance: Real-time imaging allows extreme precision without the need to open the body
Less anesthesia: Most IR procedures use local anesthesia with conscious sedation, not general anesthesia
Faster recovery: Patients typically go home the same day and recover in days rather than weeks
Lower risk: Fewer complications, less blood loss, and lower infection rates than open surgery

What Conditions Does IR Treat?

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, our interventional radiologists treat:

Vascular Conditions

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Varicose veins and chronic venous disease
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Aortic aneurysm
Carotid artery disease

Pain Conditions

Knee osteoarthritis (Genicular Artery Embolization)
Spinal compression fractures (Kyphoplasty)
Frozen shoulder
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis

Other Conditions

Uterine fibroids (UFE)
Enlarged prostate/BPH (PAE)
Varicocele
Dialysis access management
Liver disease

Why Choose an Interventional Radiologist?

Interventional radiologists complete extensive fellowship training specifically in image-guided procedures. They are uniquely qualified to perform minimally invasive treatments that were once only available through traditional surgery.

At VIS, our board-certified interventional radiologists bring this expertise to patients across seven states, with clinics in Dakota Dunes, Omaha, Kansas City, and Chicagoland.

Find a location near you or call (605) 217-5617 to schedule a consultation.

What is Interventional Radiology? A Complete Patient Guide