Interventional radiologists (IRs) are board-certified physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. They offer the most in-depth knowledge of the least invasive treatments available coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience. They use X-rays, ultrasound, CT and other imaging to advance a catheter in the body, usually in an artery or vein, to treat at the source of the disease non-surgically. IRs are the inventors of angioplasty, the catheter-delivered stent and laser treatment of varicose veins. IRs pioneered minimally invasive modern medicine.
Today many conditions that once required surgery can be treated nonsurgically by interventional radiologists. Interventional radiology treatments offer less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery.
Chris Pittman, M.D., Medical Director and Founder of Vein911®, is triple board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and Phlebology.
