Interventional Radiology Clinic at St. Peter's Hospital

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.

Other procedures are performed with a pinhole in the skin (percutaneously) directly into the organ under treatment. IR treatments come with less risk, less pain, shorter recovery times and often with similar outcomes as traditional (open) surgery.

Our IR Clinic assures that patients have appropriate follow up, and access to any additional procedures and appropriate referrals, both pre- and post-procedure.

We provide consultation services for all of our lines of service, including: interventional oncology, women's and men's health, dialysis access interventions, venous disease, and central venous access.

Specialties

Interventional Oncology

Liver Directed Therapies (Liver Cancer and Metastases to Liver):

• Y90 Radioembolization (HCC, Metastatic, Colon Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Neuroendocrine Tumor)
• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
• Liver Ablation (Microwave and RF Ablation)

Renal Cancer Treatments

• Renal Cryoablation
• Renal Embolization

 Hepatobiliary Interventions

• TIPS
• Biliary Drainage and Stenting

Women’s & Men’s Health

• Uterine Artery Embolization
• Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
• Prostate Artery Embolization
• Varicocele Embolization

Understanding Interventional Radiology (IR)

How does IR work?

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 come with less risk, less pain, shorter recovery times and often with similar outcomes as traditional (open) surgery.

Is interventional radiology right for me?

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.

Should I be concerned about radiation safety?

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.

Do interventional radiologists work with my care team?

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.

Why is interventional radiology considered modern medicine?

IR’s culture of continuous innovation has led to development of targeted treatments for virtually every organ system in the body. Innovative treatments developed by interventional radiologists are now used routinely across all fields of medicine. IRs have not only created breakthrough techniques, but also the tools and technologies to perform them.