Instructions for Interventional Radiology Procedures

Interventional radiology procedures are performed using small surgical instruments like catheters and probes to treat the disease without needing to perform higher risk, more invasive surgeries. Interventional radiology procedures are also quite useful in diagnosing an illness or disease prior to any necessary treatment.

• Bring along a friend or relative to your doctor appointment. You doctor will want to discuss with you the interventional radiology procedure prior to actually performing it. At this preparation appointment, he will outline what you should and should not do the night before, leading up to your procedure. Bringing along an extra set of ears is always helpful because you will most likely already be nervous and a bit overwhelmed at the thought of a procedure and having to listen and remember everything the doctor tells you may prove to be difficult.


• Supply your doctor with a list of any and all medications you are currently taking. Even if you only occasionally take something, be sure and let him know, as you may need to allow time for your system to empty completely of any residual ingredients. Also inform your doctor if you are currently or trying to get pregnant. If you are pregnant, the doctor will need to take extra precautions so not to harm the baby, or may want to postpone the procedure entirely.


• Ask a friend or relative to drive you on the date of the procedure. Regardless of the reasoning for your interventional radiology procedure, you will need to have some level of anesthesiology and should not drive.