Department of Radiology
The Department of Radiology at Lahey brings together experienced physicians and imaging specialists dedicated to accurate diagnostic and medical imaging, innovative research and comprehensive education and training.
Interventional Radiology
Minimally invasive diagnostic radiology and image-guided treatment options
Leading-Edge Interventional Radiologists on the North Shore
Interventional radiology uses advanced imaging to diagnose and treat conditions without traditional open surgery. At Lahey Clinic, specialists perform image-guided procedures that often require only a small incision or needle puncture. These minimally invasive diagnostic radiology techniques can mean less pain, smaller scars and faster recovery.
Our specialists offer options for people who may not be candidates for surgery or who want a less invasive approach. Many procedures are done the same day and allow you to return home quickly.
What Is Interventional Radiology?
The definition of interventional radiology (IR) includes procedures performed using real-time imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, or X-ray guidance. These IR techniques allow a physician to see inside the body and guide tools precisely to the treatment area.
Interventional radiology procedures can be used to:
- Diagnose conditions with targeted biopsies
- Treat blocked blood vessels
- Control bleeding
- Treat liver tumors or kidney tumors
- Deliver medications directly to a tumor
- Drain infections or fluid collections
Some procedures are diagnostic. Others are IR treatments designed to treat a problem without open surgery.
Anesthesia is used when sedation is needed for comfort.
How Interventional Radiology Benefits You
Compared with open surgery, IR techniques may offer:
- Smaller incisions
- Less discomfort
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster return to daily activities
Many procedures are performed using local anesthesia or light sedation. Recovery time is often shorter than with traditional surgery.
More About Interventional Radiology
Diagnostic Procedures
Minimally invasive diagnostic radiology plays an important role in understanding what is happening inside your body. Using imaging guidance, specialists can collect samples or perform targeted testing without major surgery.
Common diagnostic interventional radiology procedures include:
- Endocrine organ sampling
- Liver biopsies for liver disease or suspected tumors
- Lung biopsies for lung disease and suspected tumors
- Kidney biopsies when evaluating kidney conditions
These procedures help provide clear answers so treatment can move forward with confidence.
Treatments
Vascular Treatments
For problems affecting arteries or veins, procedures may include:
- Angioplasty or stenting
- Treatment for blocked vessels
- Venous and arterial stenting
- Thrombolysis
- Treatments of varicose veins and venous insufficiency
These treatments restore blood flow and may prevent the need for open surgery.
Cancer-Directed Therapies
IR specialists use imaging to deliver targeted therapy to tumors. This may include:
- Cryoablation
- Microwave ablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Y90 Treatment
- Transarterial
- Chremoembolization
These approaches treat tumors while limiting impact on healthy tissue.
Gynecologic Care for Fibroids
Minimally invasive procedures can treat uterine fibroids without major surgery.
Kidney Procedures
Image-guided treatments may address kidney-related conditions. This may include:
- Nephrostomy tube placement
- Prostate artery embolization
- Kidney stone treatment
- Dialysis catheter and fistula management
Liver Procedures
We also offer image-guided treatment options for liver disease. These procedures may include:
- Balloon retrograde tranvenous obliteration (BRTO)
- Bile duct drainage and stenting
- Liver cancer treatment
- Tranjugular liver biopsy
- Transjugular portosystmeic shunt (TIPS)
Neurointerventional Radiology
Some procedures that involve the brain and spine are performed by neurointerventional radiology specialists. Neurointerventional care focuses on stroke, brain aneurysms and complex vascular conditions of the nervous system.
While IR treats many conditions throughout the body, neurointerventional radiology is dedicated to disorders of the brain and spine.
Emergency imaging and treatment are available 24/7 for urgent conditions including stroke.
Meet the Team
Our interventional radiology specialists provide minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat a range of conditions.
