Interventional Radiology FAQs

Common questions about Henry Ford interventional radiology procedures include the conditions we treat, the procedures we offer and how to prepare.

What kinds of conditions can you treat?

At Henry Ford, our interventional radiology team can treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Some types of cancer
• Conditions affecting the liver, deep veins of the extremities and abdomen and aorta
• Varicocele, female pelvic congestion syndrome
• Other women’s health conditions
• Obstruction of liver and bile ducts, kidneys and ureters
• Enteral access for feeding (feeding tubes)
• Venous access (ports) to treat cancer and other conditions

What types of interventional radiology procedures do you perform?

Henry Ford interventional radiologists are leaders in their field and have experience and expertise performing a variety of minimally invasive procedures, including:

• Advanced vascular interventions: Including treatments for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection, as well as peripheral arterial disease
• Advanced liver interventions: Including the TIPS procedure, the DIPS procedure and other portal vein procedures
• Interventions for women: Including uterine artery embolization, fallopian tube recanalization and pelvic vein embolization
• Interventional oncology treatments: Including transarterial embolization and percutaneous ablation
• Arterial disease treatment, treatment of vascular lesions (AVMs)

Henry Ford Interventional Radiology physicians maintain their board certification continuously in a process called MOC (maintenance of certification). We also actively participate in research, education of future Interventional Radiologists (residents and fellows), as well as attend and participate in national Interventional Radiology society meetings to keep abreast of changes in our field.

How should I prepare for my procedure?

Your Interventional Radiology team will advise you on how to prepare for your specific procedure.

• Please expect a phone call prior to your procedure informing you of specific requirements, obtaining a health history and a list of medications including blood thinners, and answering any questions that you may have.
• Blood work is required prior to most procedures.
• Please report to the Interventional Radiology Reception Desk upon arrival.
• Please ensure that you have not had anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure.
• Take your normal medications unless otherwise indicated by your physician.
• If you are diabetic, talk to your physician about your insulin dose.
• Shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of the procedure.
• Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home; we are not responsible for items that you bring into the hospital.
• Bring all medications in their labeled containers with you on the day of your procedure.
• Plan on being at the hospital for at least 4 hours.
• Plan on resting for 12 hours post procedure.
• Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before or after your procedure.
• You MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home.
• Do not operate a vehicle, heavy machinery post- procedure for the remainder of that day.
• Do not make any important decisions post-procedure for the remainder of that day.
• As a reminder, children are not allowed into the imaging room and must be supervised by another guardian while your study is being completed.

How long will my procedure take?

The length of time varies by procedure. Most Interventional Radiology treatments are minimally invasive procedures, which offer several benefits:

• Shorter procedures than traditional surgery
• Less exposure to anesthesia
• Smaller incisions
• Quicker recovery

Do Interventional Radiology procedures hurt?

Because they are minimally invasive procedures, your overall pain should be minimal. You may feel some pain around the insertion site. To help with any pain, you may be given a numbing medication around the insertion site and drugs medications through an IV to help you relax.

Will I be put to sleep?

Many Interventional Radiology procedures do not require you to be put under general anesthesia. You may be given sedatives to help you relax. Your individual reaction to the sedatives can vary but they may cause you to feel drowsy.

What are the risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved, although these vary by procedure. Your Henry Ford radiologist will review the specific risks of your procedure with you.

How and when will I receive my results?

The results are typically sent to your referring physician directly. In some cases where patients stay overnight following a procedure, results including a CD of images from the case may be available for you to take with you to your primary doctor at your next appointment.

What insurance plans do you accept for Interventional Radiology procedures?

Henry Ford Health works with insurers from around the country. If you would like to confirm your coverage, please contact your plan.