Inova's vascular and interventional radiologists are leaders in minimally invasive procedures.

Throughout Northern Virginia and beyond, we are known for our wide range of treatments for complex medical conditions that previously required open surgery or a lengthy hospital stay. Today treatment for many conditions is available without traditional surgery.

Find an Inova hospital for interventional radiology

Inova’s vascular and interventional radiologists were the first in the region to perform:

  • Peripheral and renal angioplasty
  • Stent replacement
  • Abdominal aortic stent-graft
  • Varicose vein ablation

We were also among the first in the mid-Atlantic to perform uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Today we have one of the largest and most successful UFE programs in the country.

A Fast-Growing Field

Inova's diagnostic imaging departments offer the latest imaging procedures and exams, including  X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). This high-tech imaging, combined with the use of catheters normally advanced through tiny incisions into an artery, allow our interventional radiologists to treat disease at its source. This translates into highly precise results and reduced risk, pain and recovery time for our patients.

Inova vascular and interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians whose accreditation includes both vascular and interventional radiology, and diagnostic radiology. These specialists bring an exhaustive mastery of minimally invasive treatments complemented by diagnostic and clinical expertise across all medical specialties. 

Search online for an Inova interventional radiologist

Vascular and interventional radiology procedures are available at all Inova hospitals. Procedures for children are offered at Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital and Inova Loudoun Hospital.

Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures include:

  • Angiography. This is an X-ray of the arteries and veins to find blockage or narrowing of the vessels, as well as other blood vessel problems.
  • Angioplasty. This minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to open a blocked or narrowed artery and improve blood flow. The doctor puts the small balloon-tipped catheter into a blood vessel. Then he or she inflates the balloon to open up an area of blockage inside the vessel.
  • Catheter insertions. For certain cancers, chemoembolization can be used to inject the tumor site.
  • Cancer treatment. The doctor gives the cancer medicine directly to the tumor site.
  • Clot dissolving. The doctor injects clot-dissolving medicines to increase blood flow to your arms, legs, or organs in your body.
  • Embolization. The doctor places medications or embolic agents through a catheter into a blood vessel to stop blood flow through that vessel. This can be done to control bleeding, close off vessels supplying blood to a tumor, and treat aneurysms.
  • Foreign body removal. The doctor puts a catheter into a blood vessel to remove a foreign body in the vessel.
  • Gastrostomy tubes. The doctor puts a feeding tube into the stomach if you can’t take food by mouth, allowing you to receive nutrition without having to swallow the food you need.
  • Intravascular ultrasound. The doctor uses ultrasound to see inside a blood vessel to find problems.
  • IVC filters. The doctor puts a small filter into the inferior vena cava (IVC). This is a large vein in your abdomen. The filter catches blood clots that may go into your lungs.
  • Needle biopsy. The doctor puts a small needle into almost any part of the body, guided by imaging techniques, to take a tissue biopsy. This type of biopsy can give a diagnosis without surgery. An example of this procedure is called the needle breast biopsy.
  • Stent placement. The doctor places a tiny mesh coil (stent) inside a blood vessel at the site of a blockage. He or she expands the stent to open up the blockage.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. Please do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your abdominal vascular ultrasound.

Bring the following information with you:

  • A signed prescription for an imaging study (unless your doctor’s office has either faxed an order or indicated they entered the order directly into Inova’s electronic medical records system)
  • Insurance card
  • Photo ID (e.g., license, passport)
  • Any previous exam films and reports performed at a non-Inova facility, including X-rays, mammograms, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds
  • Implant card, if applicable

Our Team:

Inova vascular and interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians whose accreditation includes both vascular and interventional radiology as well as diagnostic radiology. These specialists bring an exhaustive mastery of minimally invasive treatments complemented by diagnostic and clinical expertise across all medical specialties.

Interventional Radiology (IR) is available at: