Interventional radiologists treat cancer patients using minimally invasive image-guided procedures. Noninvasive imaging techniques such as X-ray fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guide the interventional radiologist to the areas of disease. Treatment procedures are usually performed using needles or by inserting tiny instruments through catheter tubes, requiring only a 1/8-inch incision in the patient’s skin. The time for recovery from these procedures is much shorter than with more invasive methods.

Common Interventional Radiology Procedures

• Chemoembolization: cancer treatment delivery directly to a tumor
  through its blood supply
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): localized destruction of symptomatic
  tumors using heat
• Feeding tube placement: insertion of tubes into the stomach or small bowel to provide nutrition
• Drain insertions: placement of tubes to drain abnormal fluid collections (for example, abscess drains to remove pus)
• Central Venous Access Devices (CVADs): insertion and management of specialized devices for the intravenous administration of fluids and chemotherapy (for example, PICC lines, ports, Hickman lines, dialysis catheters)
• Needle biopsy: taking tissue samples from the area of interest for pathological examination

For more information:
Interventional Radiology
(801) 581-8170