What Is Interventional Procedures?

About Sol interventional radiology (IR)

Sol Radiology has several physicians that are experienced and/or fellowship trained in interventional procedures. These procedures involve minimally invasive techniques with the guidance of X-ray, CT and/or Ultrasound. We provide consultations, treatment and follow-up in our outpatient office.While a majority of the procedures we perform can be easily and safely done at our outpatient office, there are a few procedures that require the use of a hospital “cath-lab” or surgery suite. Most of these hospital-based procedures are performed as outpatients and patients are discharged the same day; occasionally there will be a need for further hospitalization and observation.

Types of Interventional Procedures

Joint Injection

A steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can temporarily relieve pain caused by an inflamed joint. The cause of joint pain (arthritis, injury, degeneration) is not well understood. The procedure has two purposes. First, it can be used as a diagnostic test to see if the pain is actually coming from the joint. Second, it can be used as a treatment to relieve inflammation and pain caused by various conditions.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses sound waves to help locate a lump or abnormality and remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope.

Additional procedures

Want to Learn More About Interventional Radiology? Check Our FAQ Section Below

Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who use imaging guidance, including X-ray, CT scanning and ultrasound, to help deliver minimally invasive, targeted treatments with a quicker recovery. IR addresses many of today’s toughest medical problems, including vascular conditions, many types of cancer and men’s and women’s health conditions with minimal discomfort and unprecedented precision. Interventional radiologists are the board-certified physicians who deliver these treatments.

Most IR treatments begin with the prick of a needle. The interventional radiologist—who is trained in image-guided, minimally invasive therapies—directs a thin wire and a catheter, the size of a strand of spaghetti, through a blood vessel treat the source of pain or disease. It may sound futuristic, but that’s exactly how some of the most innovative and effective treatments in medicine are happening today. Interventional radiology treatments often come with less risk, less pain, shorter recovery times and better outcomes than traditional (open) surgery.

Breakthroughs in technology and imaging have created new treatment choices for patients. In this new era of medicine, personalized medicine means doing the right thing for each patient. Ask your doctor about treatments that are less invasive. And, if you are a candidate for open surgery, consider getting a second opinion from an interventional radiologist. There may be a minimally invasive approach that could dramatically reduce your pain, risk and recovery time.

The use of radiation in diagnosing and treating patients has significantly advanced the field of medicine and saved or extended countless lives. As with any medical procedure, the use of radiation is not without risk. Interventional radiologists undergo extensive training in radiation safety and know how to mitigate the risks of radiation by following established federal guidelines. IRs make it a priority to minimize the amount of radiation necessary to complete the treatment.

IRs practice coordinated clinical care—in clinics and on collaborative teams—working closely with your other physicians to ensure that you receive the best possible care. IRs manage your health issues or disease treatment throughout the entire course of your care—before, during and after your treatment. During follow-up appointments, your IR will evaluate your progress and address any remaining issues or symptoms that you may have.