Medical Imaging Services

Interventional Radiology  

On this page :

Overview

Interventional radiology (also known as Angiography) uses imaging guidance—such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI—to perform minimally invasive procedures that diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. 

These procedures often involve small incisions and the use of thin instruments like catheters or needles. They can be an alternative to surgery, offering shorter recovery times and less discomfort. Common procedures include biopsies, drain placements, vascular treatments and pain management.  

Uses

Interventional Radiology (IR) can help diagnose and treat conditions like vascular disease, stroke, uterine fibroids or cancer. Some related procedures include angioplasty, stenting, thrombolysis, embolization, radiofrequency ablation and biopsies. 

Several medical professionals in surgical attire focus on computer monitors displaying X-ray images during a procedure in an operating room.

Safety information  

The amount of radiation used during IR procedures depends on the type of exam. Some use very little, while more complex procedures may use more.

Please let us know if you are pregnant or have any serious allergies.

Angiography is generally very safe, but like any medical procedure, there are some risks. These will be explained to you either on the day of your procedure or during a pre-procedure clinic visit.

Always speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits of your procedure. 

Understanding contrast agent 

For some procedures, your doctor may recommend using a contrast agent to help highlight certain areas of your body. This is a clear liquid that contains iodine and is sometimes called “X-ray dye” because it shows up white on X-ray images. 

The contrast is injected into a vein or artery so the radiologist can see your blood vessels and organs more clearly. At The Ottawa Hospital, we use non-ionic contrast agents, which are designed to be safer and better tolerated by most patients. 

The IR procedure 

Preparing for your IR procedure 

Feel free to ask any questions. Make sure you understand any tests, medications or special instructions before your procedure. 

Blood thinners

Ask your doctor if you should stop taking aspirin or blood thinners seven days before your procedure.

Transportation

Arrange a ride home—you won’t be able to drive after your procedure.

Fasting

Do not eat or drink after midnight the day before the procedure unless told otherwise.

Medications

On the morning of your procedure, take your blood pressure or heart medications with a sip of water unless directed not to.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, take your insulin and a small meal unless told otherwise.

Valuables

Avoid wearing jewelry or bringing valuables.

Location

Your appointment location will be confirmed by the booking clerk.

Lab work

Let staff know if you have not had lab work or are taking any medications.

Pregnancy

Tell staff if you are pregnant or think you might be.

Allergies 

Tell staff if you have allergies to medications or X-ray dye. 

During your IR procedure 

Most IR procedures are done using a local freezing and.  That means you’ll be relaxed, but awake during the entire procedure. Some procedures may require that you receive a medicine that puts you to sleep (general anesthesia). You will be taken care of by the IR team of nurses, medical radiation technologists and interventional radiologists, who will keep you comfortable during your treatment. Your care team will also take precautions to ensure safety. 

Right after your IR procedure 

Once your procedure is done, you’ll be moved to a recovery area. Depending on the type of procedure, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for a short time.

Your care team will go over your recovery and discharge time, any restrictions once you are home, possible complications and any medications you may need.

You’ll also receive instructions for follow-up care to help support your recovery. 

After you go home 

Your body will naturally remove the contrast agent through your urine. Your urine will look the same as usual. You can return to your normal diet right away. If you don’t have fluid restrictions, try to drink several glasses of water over the next 24 hours to help flush the contrast from your system.

Keep an eye on the injection or needle site. If it stays dry and there are no signs of swelling or bleeding, you can remove the bandage—unless your care team gave you different instructions. 

When to call your doctor 

If you cannot reach your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department. 

You notice significant swelling or bleeding at the injection or puncture site 

You develop hives or itching 

You have trouble swallowing or breathing 

Exams performed by interventional radiology at The Ottawa Hospital 

Opens blocked or narrowed blood vessels by inserting a very small balloon into the vessel and inflating it. Used to unblock clogged arteries in the legs or arms (called peripheral vascular disease or PVD), kidneys, brain or elsewhere in the body. 

A needle is used to collect tissue samples from areas like the lung, bone or liver, or to collect cell samples.  It is used as an alternative to surgical biopsy. 

A tube is placed under the skin into a vein to give medications or draw blood (e.g. PORT, PICC, Hickman). 

Delivers cancer-fighting agents (e.g. alcohol, chemotherapy) directly to a tumor. 

Blocks blood flow to a problem area using materials like coils or particles. Used for bleeding, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation (AVMs) or fibroids. 

A feeding tube is placed into the stomach for patients who can’t eat enough by mouth. 

Catheters are placed or blockages cleared to support dialysis treatment. 

A temporary or permanent filter is placed or retrieved in a large vein to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs.

Uses radiofrequency energy to destroy cancerous tumors. 

Includes injections, nerve blocks, and tests like myelograms and lumbar punctures. 

Small tubes used to keep blood vessels or other pathways open. Some examples of stents are Carotid, iliac, femoral, Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVC), biliary duct. 

Blood clots may be removed or dissolved; bleeding may be treated with embolization, most commonly using tiny metal coils. 

Clot-busting drugs are injected to dissolve blood clots. 

A device is placed to improve blood flow and reduce bleeding in patients with severe liver problems. 

Includes draining fluid or injecting medicine into specific areas.