Pediatric Interventional Radiology (IR)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What procedures are performed by our Interventional Radiology team?

  Common procedures performed by our Interventional Radiology team include:

  • Liver biopsies – In this procedure a thin needle is guided into the liver to obtain cells to look for any abnormality. This procedure maximizes the chance of obtaining a good tissue sample and reduces complications associated with surgery.
  • Angiograms and arteriograms –An angiogram or arteriogram is a minimally invasive procedure which uses a special contrast, or dye, to observe blood flow. During the procedure, the interventional radiologist places a small IV or catheter which is used to reach the blood vessels that supply the affected area. With the help of the special contrast or dye, an X-ray machine moves in different angles and takes pictures of the blood vessels from multiple angles to observe the flow through the area.
  • Angioplasty – If narrowing of a blood vessel is found, interventional radiologists can perform an angioplasty. During this procedure, a thin hollow tube called a catheter is guided through an artery. The tip of the catheter carries a small balloon, which widens the blood vessel and improves blood flow. Sometimes a stent, a tiny mesh tube, is also inserted to support the artery walls.
  • Feeding tube placement – Interventional radiologists place feeding tubes in children who are unable to eat by mouth. This procedure uses X-ray guidance to place the feeding tube directly into the stomach through the skin.
  • Drainage tube placement – Interventional radiology allows efficient placement of drainage tubes without surgery.
  • Central line or PICC placement – When medications or fluids need to be administered on a regular basis over an extended period of time, a central line or PICC line is placed to reduce the need for multiple IV insertions. This reduces infection rates and is easier for patients. To place these lines, an interventional radiologist inserts a specially designed plastic tube called a catheter directly into the vein using specialized procedures to ensure accuracy and comfort.
  • Vascular embolization – When it is necessary to have blood flow stopped to a specific area, such as to a vascular malformation, tumor or fibroid, interventional radiologists place a catheter directly into an artery or vein and deliver special medication to stop blood flow.
  • Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is used to treat vascular and lymphatic malformations. The procedure uses the injection of agents through the skin into the abnormal veins or cysts in order to deliver high local concentrations of medication designed to cause the veins or cysts to shrink. These procedures are done by interventional radiologists using ultrasound and fluoroscopy to localize the delivery of the sclerosing agents or medications.

• How long do Interventional Radiology procedures take?

  This depends entirely on the exam to be performed. Preparation time takes from 30 minutes to one hour. Recovery time can last from one to six hours. Your doctor will give you all the detailed information you need in order to help answer all your questions about your child’s procedure.

• Will my child feel any pain with the procedure?

  Your child will feel no pain during the procedure. It is important that your child lies very still and therefore may require general anesthesia for the procedure. The anesthesia will be administered through an IV in your child’s hand, arm or foot and your child may feel a slight pinch when the IV is started. 

• Can I stay with my child during the procedure?

  The Interventional Radiology Suites are similar to an operating room and therefore you are not allowed to stay with your child during the procedure.  You will be asked to wait in the waiting room until the procedure is completed. We understand that this is stressful and we do all we can to make sure that you are separated from your child for the shortest amount of time possible.