Interventional Radiology (IR) Services

Our Interventional Radiology team treats a diverse range of vascular, joint, and degenerative disorders, including:

Osteoarthritis & Chronic Joint Pain: Knee, shoulder, and hip inflammation.

Spinal Compression Fractures: Painful vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis or trauma.

Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyoma): Noncancerous muscle and connective tissue growths within the uterine wall which affect a significant portion of women. While benign, these tumors can cause severe, disruptive symptoms that heavily impact daily quality of life.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):  A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and highly common condition in aging men.  As the prostate expands, it constricts the urethra, leading to progressive and bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms.

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis:  Involves debilitating heel pain caused by micro-tears and repetitive stress on the thick band of tissue supporting the foot arch. When the condition becomes chronic, the body generates abnormal, unorganized micro-vessels (neovascularization) and accompanying sensory nerves that fuel chronic inflammation and severe pain.

Peripheral Artery & Venous Disorders: Poor leg circulation, arterial blockages, and deep vein issues.

Spider Veins & Angiomas: Vascular lesions affecting appearance and comfort.

Instead of large surgical incisions, our specialists utilize real-time imaging (like ultrasound and fluoroscopy) to navigate miniature instruments directly to the source of your issue. We specialize in: 

Joint Artery Embolization & GAE: An advanced, minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to specific inflamed areas, effectively treating and alleviating chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A minimally invasive, outpatient alternative to major surgeries.  UFE treats the condition entirely without removing the uterus, preserving natural anatomy.  Minimally invasive protocols eliminates the need for major abdominal surgical cuts, drastically reducing postoperative pain and surgical risk compared to a hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE):  A sophisticated, non-surgical outpatient alternative. Performed under mild twilight and targets the tiny arteries feeding the prostate gland. Microscopic beads are directed into these vessels to safely restrict their blood supply. This reduction in blood flow causes the prostate tissue to soften and shrink, permanently relieving the mechanical pressure on the urethra so urine can flow freely. Unlike traditional surgeries (such as TURP), PAE carries a significantly lower risk of sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation.  Because the procedure does not physically cut or scrape urethral tissue, the risk of long-term urinary incontinence is virtually eliminated.

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE)—also referred to as Transarterial Embolization (TAE)—directly targets the underlying biological cause of chronic pain. Utilizing high-resolution musculoskeletal imaging guidance, our specialists map the abnormal blood vessels in the heel and close off only the inflamed, pain-inducing micro-vessels. By shutting down this abnormal blood supply, the accompanying hypersensitive pain nerves quiet down, breaking the cycle of chronic inflammation.

Vascular & Vein Care: Targeted treatments for complex vein and artery disorders, including peripheral artery disease, venous disorders, and sclerotherapy for spider veins.

What should I expect during an IR procedure?

Most IR procedures are performed under local anesthesia and light sedation ("twilight sleep"). You will be relaxed and comfortable, but awake. The provider makes a microscopic puncture in the skin to access the targeted area, using live imaging to complete the treatment safely.

How long is the recovery time?

Because there are no large surgical incisions, recovery is incredibly rapid. Most patients are up and walking shortly after their procedure and can return to light daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Do I need a referral for Interventional Radiology?

While many patients are referred by their primary care doctors or specialists, we also welcome self-referrals for evaluations regarding chronic joint pain, vein issues, or spinal discomfort.