Center for Heart & Vascular Health

Vascular Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiologists are doctors who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments that are performed using imaging guidance. These revolutionary procedures often replace open surgical procedures. Because they do not involve large incisions, they are often easier on the patient than traditional surgery, because they are less painful, less risky, seldom require general anesthesia and require shorter recovery times.

Interventional radiologists use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and CT and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters (tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter) through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin).

On the vanguard of modern medicine

Breakthroughs in medical imaging, including today's powerful CT and MRI technology, have improved the ability of radiologists to see inside the body. These advances in technology gave rise to interventional radiology in the mid-1970s. Interventional radiologists invented angioplasty and the first catheter-delivered stent, which was first used in the legs, to save patients with vascular disease from amputation or other surgery. These advances gave rise to the state-of-the-art treatments that are commonplace today. As technology advances and high-quality imaging equipment becomes more widely available, interventional radiology is able to offer patients and referral physicians a host of new treatment options.

Interventional radiologists at Christiana Care are internationally recognized as pioneers in their field, developing new procedures to treat deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and other diseases.

To learn more about interventional radiology, including detailed information and videos about procedures and treatments, visit The Society of Interventional Radiology and RadiologyInfo.

Christiana Care Center for Heart & Vascular Health
Christiana Hospital
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718 directions
302-733-4600