What Does an Interventional Radiologist Do? A Look Inside This Specialized Medical Field

Interventional radiology (IR), a profession that uses image-guided, minimally invasive treatments to replace many traditional operations, was made possible by advancements in medical imaging. Interventional radiologists treat a variety of illnesses with smaller incisions, quicker recovery times, and fewer risks by using instruments including catheters, needles, wires, and stents under live imaging.

The job of an interventional radiologist is examined in this guide, along with the training they receive, the operations they carry out, the benefits they provide to patients, and the future directions of the discipline.

2. What Is Interventional Radiology (IR)?

Interventional radiology is a branch of medicine that employs minimally invasive methods to diagnose and treat illnesses using imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray (fluoroscopy).

Tiny punctures are now frequently used to do what was formerly open surgery, making IR a cutting-edge, contemporary substitute for more invasive techniques.

3. A Brief History: From X‑Rays to Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr. Charles Dotter started the IR revolution in the 1960s. In 1964, he treated peripheral artery disease without open surgery by performing the first angioplasty. His discovery still defines the function of IR in cancer, vascular disease, and other areas today.

4. Who Is an Interventional Radiologist? Training & Certification

Board-certified medical professionals with training in both diagnostic and interventional radiology are known as interventional radiologists. Usually, they receive the following training:

1. 4 years medical school

2. 1-year internship (PGY‑1)

3. Diagnostic radiology residency (PGY‑2 to PGY‑5)

4. 1–2-year IR fellowship

5. Board certification by the American Board of Radiology in radiology and IR/DR.

They’re skilled in interpreting imaging, counseling patients, and performing live-image guided procedures.

5. Imaging Technologies That Guide IR Procedures

Interventional radiologists use several real-time imaging tools:

• Fluoroscopy (live X-ray) – for angiography, stent placement, catheter guidance.

• CT – for biopsy planning and tumor ablation.

• Ultrasound – guiding biopsies and vascular accesses.

• MRI – particularly for complex or soft-tissue procedures

• Cone-beam CT – in catheter labs to see 3D images mid-procedure 

These tools allow precision navigation through vessels, duct systems, and tissues.

6. Common Interventional Radiology Procedures

Angiography & Angioplasty

• Angiography maps blocked or narrowed vessels with contrast-enhanced imaging.

• Angioplasty/stent placement reopens blocked arteries—used in coronary, peripheral, and renal vascular disease

Embolization Techniques

Embolization blocks blood vessels to:

• Stop bleeding (trauma, GI or postpartum hemorrhage)

• Treat tumors (liver, kidney, uterus) via chemoembolization or radioembolizatio

• Treat uterine fibroids (UFE) and varicoceles

Biopsies & Drainage

• Image-guided core biopsies of the breast, liver, kidney, lung, etc., provide diagnostic tissue samples 

• Fluid drainage from abscesses, effusions, or cysts under ultrasound or CT guidance .

Venous & Arterial Treatments

• DVT/PE thrombectomy and thrombolysis remove or dissolve clots

• IVC filter placement/removal to prevent pulmonary embolism

Oncologic & Ablation Therapies

• Percutaneous tumor ablations (radiofrequency, microwave, cryoablation) destroy tumors with heat or cold

• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) delivers chemo directly to liver tumors

• Radioembolization uses radiation-emitting beads to treat liver cancers

Spinal & Pain Interventions

• Vertebroplasty / kyphoplasty treat compression fractures by injecting bone cement

• Nerve blocks and neurolysis to manage chronic pain syndromes

Women’s & Men’s Health Applications

• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) treats fibroids non-surgically 

• Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) addresses benign prostate enlargement

Trauma & Emergency IR

• Organ hemorrhage control in trauma (liver, spleen, kidneys) through embolization .

• TIPS placement manages portal hypertension via intrahepatic shunt under imaging guidance

Biliary & Gastrointestinal Procedures

• Biliary drainage and stenting for obstructions

• Feeding tube placement via PEG (gastrostomy) for nutritional access 

Lymphatic & Dialysis Access

• Thoracic duct embolization to treat chyle leaks 

• Central venous catheter & dialysis port placement using IR for vascular access

7. Benefits Over Traditional Surgery

IR offers numerous advantages:

• Minimal incisions — smaller wounds, less scarring, less pain

• Shorter hospital stays — often outpatient or overnight stay

• Lower risk & faster recovery — fewer complications

• Cost efficiency — up to 200% lower costs compared to OR settings

• Treatment for inoperable patients — beneficial for those unable to undergo major surgery

8. Costs & Healthcare System Impacts

IR aligns with value-based healthcare—delivering impactful care more affordably

• Reduced length-of-stay: IR-performed weekend procedures release patients sooner

• Lower costs: Medicare data shows IR interventions can save over $1,300 per case

• Resource savings: Minimizes ICU use, repeat procedures, and hospital readmissions

9. The IR Workflow: Consult, Procedure, Follow-Up

1. Initial consult – IR reviews medical history, imaging, and referrals 

2. Pre-procedure planning – selects best modality and maps anatomy

3. Day-of procedure – performed under sedation with imaging guidance

4. Post-procedure care – usually outpatient, with follow-up visits and routine imaging 

IR physicians often monitor patients over time to ensure optimal outcomes.

10. Role of Interventional Radiologists in Multidisciplinary Care

IRs collaborate extensively with teams including:

• Oncologists (for tumor ablations, chemoembolization)

• Vascular surgeons & cardiologists (for artery and vein disease)

• OBGYN and urologists (for fibroid or prostate therapies)

• Primary care providers (for longitudinal, chronic care)

Their involvement ensures precise, targeted, and coordinated treatments.

11. IR in the Future: Innovation & AI Integration

Advancements shaping IR include:

• AI & augmented imaging – enhancing catheter navigation, automating segmentation, reducing radiation 

• New modalities – like histotripsy (non-invasive tumor destruction with ultrasound)

• Expanded indications – arthritis management, prostate cancer, complex vascular abnormalities 

IR continues to evolve into a highly precise, tech-driven discipline.

12. Patient Perspective: What to Expect

• Minimal incisions – often no stitches, just a small bandage

• Short recovery – most patients go home the same day 

• Low pain levels – moderate sedation with less postoperative discomfort

• Regular imaging follow-up – typically non-invasive and convenient

IR procedures are patient-friendly and comfort-oriented.

13. Choosing an IR: Questions to Ask

1. What is your experience with this procedure?

2. What imaging modality will be used, and why?

3. What are the risks vs. benefits compared to surgery?

4. What is the recovery timeline and pain expectations?

5. How many similar procedures have you performed?

6. Do you offer post-procedure follow-up and imaging?

Asking these helps ensure skilled, safe, and supported care.

14. Challenges & Limitations

While promising, IR has some hurdles:

• Not all conditions are IR-eligible (e.g. large tumors, uncontrolled infection)

• Radiation exposure—procedures often involve X-ray use

• Requires specialized skills and facility access

• Reimbursement variance may affect service availability

15. Conclusion

Interventional radiologists provide a state-of-the-art combination of accuracy, creativity, and minimally invasive treatment for a variety of illnesses, including trauma, cancer, vascular disease, and women's health. Their adept application of imaging technology has revolutionized patient care by decreasing hospital stays, cutting expenses, and enhancing recuperation.

Consult an IR if you're having trouble deciding on a course of therapy; these specialists may frequently provide a safer, less intrusive option than surgery. "Modern medicine at its finest" is what IR is.

Rinebraska is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of healthcare providers and their patients. Get in touch with us for expert Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology services.