Interventional Radiology
Minimally invasive imaging procedures
Leading-Edge Interventional Radiologists in Boston
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers the latest interventional radiology (IR) procedures. Using an array of treatments like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, interventional radiologists can treat a wide variety of conditions without invasive surgeries.
Our interventional radiologists are global leaders in the field. They have set new clinical standards, such as for prostate artery embolization. Our team has earned recognition for outstanding care, medical education, and research.
What is Interventional Radiology?
IR is the use of imaging to perform procedures to diagnose and treat certain health conditions. Compared to open surgery, these minimally invasive procedures offer you lowered risk, less pain and shorter recovery times.
More About Interventional Radiology
The BIDMC interventional radiology team collaborates with you and your primary care doctor to decide which treatment is right for your condition.
We can perform many minimally invasive procedures without general anesthesia. This allows you to go home the same day. In some cases, you may need to spend the night in the hospital after your procedure. We will contact you the day before your procedure to make sure you are comfortable and know what to expect.
Keep these things in mind:
- You must have a ride home.
- If you are having an angiogram and we send you home afterwards, someone must stay with you overnight.
- You cannot eat or drink after midnight on the day of your procedure, except for sips of water to take medication.
- You must take all blood pressure medications the morning of the procedure.
- If you have questions about medications, you should bring your medication with you or a complete list of your medications that includes dosage.
- If you take blood thinners, we will work with you and your primary care doctor before your procedure to determine if you need to stop taking them.
Preparing for an Interventional Ultrasound
If you’re having an interventional ultrasound, learn what to expect before, during and after the test.
Our interventional radiologists support specialists throughout BIDMC. We work with your other providers to help diagnose and treat conditions. We support the following areas of care.
CT-Guided Biopsy & Drainage
IR providers perform CT-guided biopsy and drainage in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
Digestive Care
Digestive care, including care of stomach and swallowing disorders and IR placement and management of feeding tubes.
Emergency Care
Emergency care, including IR care of medical emergencies such as these:
- Aneurysm rupture
- Bleeding after a traumatic injury
- GI or lung hemorrhage
Endocrine Care
Endocrine care, including:
- Adenoma ablation
- Adrenal vein sampling
- IR care of thyroid nodules and adrenal and parathyroid adenomas
- Nephrostomy
- Thyroid biopsy
- Urinary catheter placement
Heart Care
Heart care, including angioplasty, chronic total occlusion therapy and patent foramen ovale closure.
Hemodialysis Care and Vascular Access
Our team supports kidney care, dialysis and related care with these procedures:
- Balloon angioplasty
- Catheter placement and removal
- Fistula and dialysis interventions
- Fistulograms
- Hemodialysis access management
- Stenting
- Thrombectomy/thrombolysis
- Venograms
Interventional Gynecology
We offer IR services to treat these and other gynecologic conditions:
- Fallopian tube recanalization to treat fertility concerns
- Treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome
- Treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
- Uterine artery embolization for fibroids and adenomyosis
Interventional Oncology
We work with BIDMC oncology (cancer) specialists to provide specialized interventional radiology services for cancer.
- Image-guided percutaneous (under the skin) tumor ablation using these methods:
- Cryoablation
- Microwaves
- Radiofrequency
- Radioembolization
- Transarterial bland embolization
- Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for liver tumors
Types of Cancer We Treat
IR specialists use procedures to treat many types of cancer:
Male Reproductive & Prostate IR Care
We offer IR services to treat these conditions affecting the prostate and male reproductive system:
- Pelvic angiography and arteriography to diagnose and treat erectile dysfunction
- Varicocele embolization to treat pain or fertility problems
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
BIDMC IR specialists offer prostate artery embolization (PAE). They use PAE to provide advanced treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate gland enlargement. This is a highly effective, minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
Specialized Liver Care
We have advanced expertise in treating liver and biliary conditions:
- Blocked bile ducts
- Cirrhosis
- Liver disease
- Liver tumors
Our IR specialists also offer these services:
- Liver biopsy
- Liver shunts
- Minimally invasive hepatobiliary inventions
- Post-transplant liver care
Spine IR & Pain Treatments
We offer IR treatment to help manage conditions affecting the spine. We offer care for back pain and compression, as well as insufficiency fractures. We offer the following IR procedures:
- Facet joint injections
- Kyphoplasty/sacroplasty
- Spine biopsy
Vascular Interventions
Our team provides expert care for artery and vein conditions:
- Blood clots such as pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis
- Narrowing of the blood vessels
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Varicose veins
- Vascular malformations
- Visceral aneurysms
We offer the following IR vascular procedures:
- Angioplasty
- Bronchial artery embolization
- Endovenous ablation
- Sclerotherapy
- Stenting
- Thrombolysis
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Radiology
Our radiology specialists provide a full spectrum of clinical programs and services using the latest imaging technology and techniques.
Radiology Research
Our Radiology Program promotes academic programs and clinical excellence worldwide through research.
Radiology Education & Training
BIDMC offers graduates and physicians education and training opportunities in radiology.
