Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of medicine that utilizes various imaging tools (CAT scan, Ultrasound, and Fluoroscopy) to perform advanced minimally invasive procedures. This cutting edge field is often thought of as the most minimally invasive of all surgical subspecialties, often allowing patients to avoid traditional surgery. This results in less pain, shorter recovery times and lower risk of complications. Interventional Radiologists undergo extensive training to diagnose and treat an ever-growing number of conditions, many of which are listed below.

Stamford Hospital's Interventional Radiology Department strives to provide excellent care with minimum discomfort. All Stamford Hospital interventional radiologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology, well-trained and leaders in the field.

Interventional Radiology Procedures at Stamford Hospital

Our Interventional Radiologists perform many high-tech, and often life-saving, procedures that include:

Embolization

• to stop hemorrhaging or excessive bleeding

Genitourinary

• Nephrostomy and Ureter Stents
• Clear or divert kidney obstructions

GI/biliary interventions

• Gallbladder drainages
• Biliary drainage and stent
• Feeding tubes (Gastric and Gastro-jejunal)

Oncology

• Simple biopsy
• Port-a-cath (Chest port) placement and management
• Chemoembolization (TACE) of tumors
• Radioembolization (Y90) of tumors
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of tumors

Pain Management

• Nerve blocks
• Nerve ablation for chronic pain related to cancer

Portal Hypertension

• TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt)
• BRTO (Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration)
• Transjugular liver biopsy and pressure measurements

Spine procedures

• SpineJack to correct vertebral height, preventing the vertebral body from collapsing again. A non-invasive method that uses image guidance to restore the shape of the vertebrae.
• Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty to treat compression spine fractures
• Myelography to evaluate for spinal stenosis

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE):

• Also known as Uterine Artery Embolization
• Treatment of symptomatic Uterine Fibroids
• Nonsurgical and minimally invasive therapy to treat fibroid symptoms and preserve the uterus with little to no blood loss

Varicose Vein treatments

• Laser Therapy (EVLT) of leaky veins
• Sclerotherapy of spider veins
• Venous Embolization of large varicose veins

Vascular access for long-term IV therapy Dialysis

• Catheter placement and management
• Fistula evaluation and management

Vascular Disease

• Angioplasty and Stent placement to open blocked or narrowed veins and arteries
• Blood clot removal (Thrombolysis/Thrombectomy) of arteries or veins
• IVC filter placement and removal

Thrombectomy for Stroke

• Thrombectomy--Stroke-Procedure---Treatment is available 24/7 and can prevent death or nursing home admission for many ischemic stroke patients.
• 24/7 Neurohospitalist coverage

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) for stroke

• A “clot-busting” drug, administered within 4 ½ hours of stroke onset, to restore blood flow to the brain and improve symptoms.

Interventional Radiology procedures are typically performed at the main Stamford Hospital campus. Patients will be provided doctor's orders on how to prepare. Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, but may require one to three hours of recovery time at the hospital. If the patient is being sedated, a ride home will be needed.