What is an interventional radiologist?
In some ways, this is one of my favorite questions. While the field of vascular and interventional radiology has been evolving over 20 years, many people still don’t understand what we, physicians, do. An Interventional Radiologist is a specialist physician who has undergone rather rigorous training in medical imaging and further training in applying that skill of imaging to minimally invasive substitutes for surgery. The Interventional Radiologist can manipulate small tubes through vessels and other body channels to do things, such as drain an abscess, open a blocked vessel, or direct chemotherapy to a specific internal target. Because the tools of the Interventional Radiologist are small, consisting of catheters and small tubes, many procedures can be done with simple sedation and local anesthesia. This allows the patient to go home the same day of the procedure, avoiding a significant hospitalization. Innovation continues in the field of interventional radiology with new minimally i
A. Interventional radiologists are doctors who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments that have less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery. They use their expertise in interpreting X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and other diagnostic imaging studies to understand, visualize and diagnose the full scope of the disease’s pathology and to map out the procedure tailored to the individual patient. Then during the procedure, they image as they go to guide tiny instruments, such as catheters, through blood vessels or skin, to treat diseases at the site of the illness nonsurgically. Interventional radiology is a recognized medical specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Interventional radiologists are board-certified in diagnostic radiology and fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology. The American Board of Radiology certifies their specialized training.
Interventional radiologists, like Dr. Miller, are specially trained in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance. These highly trained physicians perform a wide variety of procedures, including opening up blocked arteries and veins with angioplasty balloons and stents. Conversely, if a person is bleeding, interventional radiologists can block up the bleeding vessels with catheters by injecting occluding materials. Interventional radiologists perform many different types of biopsies and abscess drainage procedures often helping patients avoid major surgeries. Newer techniques that are being performed and refined include the treatment of cancers by injecting chemotherapy agents directly in the blood vessels supplying tumors as well as devices that “burn” tumors. An interventional radiologist pioneered endovenous laser ablation for the treatment of venous insufficiency. For more information about interventional radiology please visit the Society of Interventional Rad
Interventional Radiology is a medical specialty that uses image-guided, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment techniques that are often an alternative to surgery. Interventional radiologists are highly trained in imaging, radiation safety, the performance of medical procedures, and patient management. Interventional radiologists treat diseases using small catheters or other devices and tools guided by radiologic imaging. Procedures performed by interventional radiologists are generally less costly and are less traumatic to the patient, involving smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter hospital stays. Your interventional radiologist will work closely with your primary care or other physician to be sure you receive the best possible care. Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor. var title = escape(document.title); var page = escape(location.href); document.
