Learn more about Vascular & Interventional Radiology Specialists
A vascular and interventional radiologist specializes in using imaging technology, such as X-rays and MRI, and catheter-based procedures to diagnose and treat many diseases. Vascular and interventional radiologists focus on diseases of the blood vessels and lymphatic system, but also treat other conditions, such as cancer and infertility.
Vascular and interventional radiologists perform minimally invasive treatments that have less risk, pain, and recovery time compared to open surgery. With a small incision, they use imaging techniques to pass a catheter—a flexible narrow tube—into the body, often in an artery. Other types of catheters are used to drain excess fluid from your chest or abdomen, provide fluids, and deliver medication. Microsurgical instruments are also inserted through special catheters to access internal organs and structures in order to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.
Vascular and interventional radiologists work in hospitals and freestanding radiology clinics. Doctors send patients to vascular and interventional radiologists to be evaluated with specialized imaging tests and to receive minimally invasive treatments.
A vascular and interventional radiologist may or may not have direct contact with the patient, but all vascular and interventional radiologists communicate with the primary care doctor and other specialists to diagnose diseases and other conditions and determine the best course of treatment. Vascular and interventional radiologists work as members of care teams that may include oncologists, cardiologists, obstetrician-gynecologists, gastroenterologists, and urologists.
A vascular and interventional radiologist may also be known by the following names: blood vessel radiologist, interventional radiologist, vascular radiologist, and radiologist.
There are 139 specialists practicing Vascular & Interventional Radiology in Illinois with an overall average rating of 4.1 stars. There are 95 hospitals in Illinois with affiliated Vascular & Interventional Radiology specialists, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.