For Patients

Interventional radiology is a subspecialty within the medical field of radiology. As you may know, radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging techniques, such as X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and mammography to diagnose and monitor disease and other health conditions within the body. Interventional radiologists undergo additional training to perform minimally invasive procedures using imaging to guide their treatment.

It can take up to 14 years or more of education and training to become an interventional radiologist, and ongoing education is required regularly to maintain board certification. Our doctors have typically had 4 years of undergraduate (college) education, followed by another 4 years of medical school. After graduating medical school, they undergo a 1-year clinical internship followed by a 4-year residency in diagnostic radiology. After they, they will need 1-2 years of fellowship (subspecialty) training in interventional radiology.

For procedures that use fluoroscopic imaging, yes, there is radiation exposure. However, the exposure is very minimal and considered to be safe for most people. Our staff has undergone radiation protection training and will keep your exposure to a minimum during your procedure. However, if you are pregnant, you will need a careful evaluation of the risks and benefits of your procedure.

After checking in, you will be shown to a changing room, where you will change into a comfortable gown for your procedure. The procedure itself will take about an hour, and then you will be observed for a period of 1-2 hours after your procedure to make sure there are no ill effects or complications. After that, you are free to return home and resume most normal activities.

Many hospitals perform the very same interventional radiology procedures offered at URVI, as well as some additional interventional procedures for critically ill patients (such as for stroke). You can always elect to have your procedure at a hospital. However, at our outpatient center, you’ll receive excellent patient service, very short waiting times and minimal exposure to potentially sick patients. Procedures at our center typically cost a lot less than at the hospital, which can save you money on insurance deductibles and co-payments. Patients also find our outpatient center to be more convenient, with ample, free parking and no confusing corridors to navigate.