Niagara Health Interventional Radiology and Interventional Oncology Services deliver high-quality, evidence-based clinical services.
Our patient-focused team of professionals includes Medical Radiation technologists, nurses and interventional radiologists who work in close collaboration with clinical colleagues, such as oncology, nephrology, urology, vascular surgery, general surgery, thoracic surgery, respirology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology and other medical specialties.
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional Radiology (IR) is a sub-specialty of radiology, which involves performing a range of image guided procedures through a "pin-hole". Interventional radiologists are specially trained physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. Interventional Radiology includes a vast range of procedures ranging from image-guided biopsy, PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) insertion, angioplasty to embolization to radiofrequency ablation of tumours. Most procedures are performed using percutaneous, image-guided approaches. These procedures replace traditional surgical techniques and are generally easier for the patient because they involve less risk, less pain, shorter hospital stay and shorter recovery time. Interventional Radiology can also have a life-saving role in the treatment of hemorrhagic emergencies.
What is Interventional Oncology?
Interventional Oncology (IO) is a sub-specialty of Interventional Radiology that uses imaging guidance to deliver minimally invasive therapies in cancer patients. It is considered the fourth pillar of cancer therapy alongside medical, surgical, and radiation oncology.
What is the role of the Interventional Radiology Outpatient Clinic?
The Interventional Radiology Outpatient Consultation Clinic will follow-up with patients who have undergone certain IR procedures. The IR clinic helps to optimize patient care by providing the interventional radiologist with the opportunity to meet the patient prior to the procedure and obtain a pertinent history and physical examination. The procedure can be explained to the patient and treatment options are discussed. Post-procedure follow-up is coordinated through the IR outpatient consultation clinic.
Available procedures:
Arterial Interventions
- Diagnostic peripheral angiography, angioplasty and stent placement
- Thrombolysis
- Renal angiography, angioplasty and stent placement
- Mesenteric angiography, stent insertion and embolization
- Tumour embolization
- Postpartum hemorrhage management
- Bronchial artery embolizations
- Vascular malformation management
- Uterine artery embolization
Venous Interventions
- Venography
- Dialysis catheter placement
- Venoplasty and stent placement
- Haemodialysis access interventions including mechanical thrombectomy
- Varicocele embolization
- IVC filter placement and retrieval
- Venous stenting
- Venous sampling, specifically adrenal vein sampling
- Ovarian and pelvic vein embolization
- Removal of intravascular foreign bodies
- PICC line and Port-a Cath insertion
CT-Guided Intervention
- Lung biopsy
- Renal mass biopsy
- Abdominal lesion biopsy
- Drainage of fluid collections
Ultrasound-Guided Intervention
- Liver biopsy
- Kidney biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Fluid drainage
- Abdominal and pelvic mass biopsy
Gastrointestinal Interventions
- Percutaneous gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy insertions
- Biliary drainage and stenting
- Transjugular liver biopsy
- BRTO
- Ascites drainage and plurex catheters
Musculoskeletal Interventions
- Bone Biopsy
- Facet joint injection
- Vertebroplasty
- Bone and muscle/soft tissue biopsy
- Spine and bone augmentation, such as vertebroplasty
- Pain management procedures, such as facet injections, shoulder, hip and small joints injections
Urological Interventions
- Percutaneous nephrostomy insertion and change
- Antegrade ureteric stent placement
- Retrograde ureteric stent exchange.
- Renal artery embolization
Learn more about Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology in Women's Health
Interventional radiologists are able to provide minimally invasive therapies to an increasing number of women’s health issues such as uterine fibroids, pelvic congestion syndrome, osteoporosis of vertebral bodies and ovarian cyst aspirations. Uterine fibroids are usually benign growths which can be managed by blocking its blood supply in a non-surgical manner under image guidance. Pelvic congestion can be attributed to varicose veins of the pelvis, which can be sealed by IR embolization under image guidance. www.ask4ufe.com
Interventional Radiology in Men’s Health
Interventional radiologists are able to provide minimally invasive therapies to an increasing number of men’s health issues such as infertility, varicocele, and prostatic conditions. Varicose veins of the testicles can cause symptoms of pain and infertility and can be managed in IR with minimally invasive techniques.
Helpful Resources
For Referring Physicians
Contact us
Diagnostic Imaging (reception)
Telephone: 905-378-4647 ext. 46351
Fax: 905-323-7560
Angio Interventional Suite
Telephone: 905-378-4647 ext. 46330
IR Recovery Area(Day Stay)
Telephone: 905-378-4647 ext. 45201
Helpful links
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