When you think about medical treatment, you might picture surgery with long recovery times and hospital stays. But thanks to interventional radiology (IR), many conditions that once required invasive surgery can now be treated with tiny incisions, advanced imaging, and outpatient procedures.
At Aria Vascular, we’re proud to offer cutting-edge interventional radiology services to help patients get back to living—without the downtime.
What Is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging techniques—like ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs—to diagnose and treat conditions in a minimally invasive way. These procedures are performed by a board-certified interventional radiologist, a physician specially trained to guide thin catheters, wires, and tools through the body using real-time imaging.
IR is often used to treat conditions of the arteries, veins, and internal organs without traditional open surgery.
How Does Interventional Radiology Work?
Most IR procedures begin with a tiny incision, typically in the groin, arm, or neck. Through this opening, your interventional radiologist inserts a catheter—a thin, flexible tube—into your blood vessels and uses imaging to navigate precisely to the treatment area.
Depending on your condition, the doctor may deliver medication, place a stent, open a blocked artery, destroy tumors, or cut off blood supply to abnormal growths (a process called embolization).
These treatments are highly targeted, reducing trauma to healthy tissues and often allowing you to go home the same day.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology is versatile and widely used across specialties. Here are some of the most common conditions treated at Aria Vascular:
1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Treatment: Balloon angioplasty, stent placement
- Goal: Open narrowed arteries and restore blood flow to the legs
2. Varicose Veins & Venous Insufficiency
- Treatment: Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation
- Goal: Close off damaged veins and reroute blood to healthy ones
3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Treatment: Catheter-directed thrombolysis or clot removal
- Goal: Dissolve or remove blood clots to prevent lung damage (PE)
4. Uterine Fibroids
- Treatment: Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
- Goal: Shrink fibroids by cutting off their blood supply
5. Liver & Kidney Tumors
- Treatment: Radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization
- Goal: Destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors
6. Dialysis Access Management
- Treatment: Fistula creation or catheter placement
- Goal: Ensure a reliable vascular access point for dialysis
Benefits of Interventional Radiology
Compared to traditional surgery, IR offers numerous advantages:
- ✅ Minimally invasive: Tiny incisions and less trauma
- ✅ Shorter recovery times
- ✅ Often performed as outpatient procedures
- ✅ Less pain, lower risk of infection
- ✅ No general anesthesia required in most cases
- ✅ Lower overall cost to patients and healthcare systems
Interventional Radiology vs. Surgery: What’s the Difference?
| Interventional Radiology | Traditional Surgery |
|---|---|
| Minimally invasive | Open incisions |
| Imaging-guided precision | Manual exploration |
| Local or mild sedation | General anesthesia |
| Faster recovery | Longer hospital stays |
| Lower risk of complications | Higher surgical risks |
IR is typically the first-line treatment when applicable, but surgery may be recommended in complex or emergency cases. At Aria Vascular, we assess your needs and recommend what’s truly best for you.
What to Expect During an IR Procedure
Each procedure is unique, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:
1. Pre-Procedure:
- You’ll undergo imaging and lab tests.
- Instructions may include fasting for several hours.
2. Procedure:
- Sedation or local anesthesia is administered.
- The interventional radiologist uses imaging to guide tools to the target area.
- Most procedures last 30–90 minutes.
3. Recovery:
- Observation for a few hours or overnight stay (depending on the procedure).
- Most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours.
Why Choose Aria Vascular for Interventional Radiology?
At Aria Vascular, our IR team brings together board-certified specialists, advanced imaging technology, and a patient-first approach to ensure the best possible outcome with the least invasive method available.
We serve patients across Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, and surrounding communities—and we’re committed to helping you avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible.
Ready to Learn More or Schedule an Evaluation?
🩺 Our interventional radiologists are here to help. Whether you’ve been referred for IR or are seeking alternatives to surgery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs About Interventional Radiology
Is interventional radiology safe?
Yes. IR procedures are widely used, FDA-approved, and often safer than traditional surgery.
Does IR hurt?
Most procedures involve local anesthesia and mild sedation. Patients typically report minimal discomfort.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients recover within a day or two and can resume normal activities quickly.
Do I need a referral?
Not always. You can request a consultation directly with Aria Vascular or come through your primary care physician.
