Interventional Radiology Center
NEW Specialty Service: IR Center – Chesterbrook
What is interventional radiology?
Many conditions that once required surgery can now be treated with interventional radiology (IR). IR treatments are minimally invasive. When compared to open surgery, minimally invasive IR treatments result in:
- Less risk of complications
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
Embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that blocks one or more blood vessels or abnormal vascular channels. Carefully guided by radiologic imaging like ultrasounds, X-rays, CAT scans, and MRI scans, interventional radiologists perform the procedure using small tools like catheters and wires. IR treatments are available for these conditions:
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) for BPH
For men who have an enlarged prostate (BPH), a minimally invasive intervention is now available. PAE is a procedure that shrinks the prostate by cutting off its blood supply.
Embolization for varicoceles
Varicoceles form when blood backs up in the veins that drain the testicles due to incompetent valves. When this happens, the blood pools within the veins causing them to swell and twist. In some men, this can cause infertility.
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that cuts off blood flow to the defective veins, diverting blood to the healthy veins.
Talk to your urologist to find out if you are a candidate for a minimally invasive IR treatment. You must see your urologist for a referral.
