Our patients tend to experience less pain, less blood loss, and faster recovery times compared to other surgical treatments. The small incisions heal more quickly and minimize scarring.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) specialists provide minimally invasive image-guided procedures for conditions that once required traditional, open surgery.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) specialists provide minimally invasive image-guided procedures for conditions that once required traditional, open surgery.
What is vascular and interventional radiology?
Many conditions that once required treatment using traditional, open surgery can now be managed with vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) procedures. At UW Medicine, our specialists offer minimally invasive image-guided treatments for numerous conditions occurring throughout the body.
During these procedures, our doctors use a variety of medical imaging devices, such as live video x-ray (fluoroscopy), ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using these technologies, our specialists can safely guide needles and small flexible tubes (called catheters) or other devices directly to targeted areas in the body. Then, we insert therapeutic devices (e.g. drains, stents, coils) or administer medications (e.g. chemotherapy).
Lower risk of complications
Shorter hospital stays
In many cases, you’ll be able to go home the same day as your treatment, although some procedures do require a brief hospital stay.
Cost effective
VIR is often less expensive compared to other treatments.
Cancer care
Including treatments for liver cancer, kidney cancer and more.
Dialysis access care
Complete kidney dialysis access care, including AV fistula and graft maintenance.
Kidney disease
Including treatments like renal denervation, nephrostomy tubes and more.
Liver disease
Including treatments for portal hypertension and cirrhosis, as well as liver transplant support.
Lymphatic disease
Lymphatic disease
Including procedures such as lymphangiogram and lymphatic embolization.
Men's health
Including treatments for benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and varicocele.
Specialized procedures
Specialized procedures
Other treatments like aneurysm repair, foreign body removal and more.
Pain
Treatment for spine fractures, knee pain and more.
Vascular access
Long-term medication and infusion access using ports and tunneled lines through the veins.
Vascular malformations
Comprehensive care for arterial, venous and lymphatic malformations.
Venous disease
Treatment for blood clots and other conditions affecting the veins.
Women's health
Therapies for female health issues like fibroids, pelvic pain and infertility.
Regional leaders
Regional leaders
As one of the first VIR programs in the United States, we’ve always been committed to offering our patients personalized and compassionate care. You have access to our services at a variety of locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. We see even the most complex cases and often help manage conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Research and innovation
We help advance the VIR field through research and innovation and are recognized for our expertise worldwide. Our doctors contribute to hundreds of medical publications each year. Thanks to our knowledge and experience, our team members are consistently invited to speak at national and international medical conferences.
Collaborative and connected
Collaborative and connected
Our experts are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care. We work closely with other medical specialists to find the best treatment for your personal needs. We’re also well connected with the UW School of Medicine, giving you access to experts in every field possible.
Experienced and educated
We perform thousands of VIR procedures every year and offer a variety of treatments you can’t find anywhere else. After medical school, our dual-board certified doctors receive six to seven years of intensive training in diagnostic and interventional radiology. Each of our specialists is trained to read images and perform minimally invasive procedures.
Make an appointment
We require a provider referral to vascular and interventional radiology before scheduling an appointment. Please contact your provider for a referral or visit our website to find a radiologist.
Refer a patient
Referring patients to UW Medicine’s vascular and interventional radiology department is simple.
Common radiology terminology
Common terminology used by our vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) team.
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