Interventional radiology

Image-guided, minimally invasive interventions

Learn about the advantages of interventional radiology and how the experienced radiologists at Advocate use minimally invasive techniques to deliver outstanding outcomes for our patients.

In interventional radiology, physicians use high-definition imaging of the body such as X-ray, CT, or MRI to guide them in precisely targeted, minimally invasive treatments.

Today, more and more conditions that previously required surgery are now being treated less invasively by interventional radiologists – often with lower risk of complications, less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. Interventional radiology can be an alternative treatment for conditions, such as uterine fibroids, vascular disease, biopsies and aneurysms.

Advantages of interventional radiology:

• Lower risk of complications
• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery times

To find an experienced interventional radiologist, call 800-3-ADVOCATE.

When is interventional radiology an option?

Advocate's interventional radiologists treat many patients who may once have required traditional, open surgery. Biopsies, uterine fibroids, and vascular diseases are some of the common conditions we address. Interventional oncology is also a growing specialty area of interventional radiology. Physicians are able to target cancer therapies directly into the tumor with fewer side effects for the patient. Interventional radiology is also used for diagnostic purposes as well as other procedures.

Remember that patients always have a right to a second opinion and to understand all of their treatment options before consenting to a procedure or surgery.

Conditions we treat

Experienced team

Procedures are performed by interventional radiologists. These are board-certified physicians with additional advanced training in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging to guide them. Their board certification includes both vascular and interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology, which are administered by the American Board of Radiology. These physicians offer the most in-depth knowledge of the least-invasive treatments available, coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience across all specialties.

Treatment

Unlike traditional surgery, interventional radiology relies on advanced imaging to precisely guide targeted, minimally invasive procedures. Treatment is delivered where it is needed, reducing trauma to the body and speeding recovery.

Interventional radiology may be used for many procedures, including biopsies, drug injections, and to burn or freeze tumors. Sometimes a small tube called a catheter is inserted to drain fluid or, in the case of angioplasty, to use a balloon to open blocked arteries.