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.

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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).

Benefits of treatments

Benefits of vascular and interventional radiology treatments

VIR can deliver effective therapy with the following advantages:

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Lower risk of complications

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.

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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.

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Cost effective

VIR is often less expensive compared to other treatments.

Vascular and interventional radiology treatments

VIR can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, helping you get back to your life sooner.

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.

The UW Medicine difference

As the largest academic medical center in the Pacific Northwest, our experts rely on the latest research developments and medical technologies to provide comprehensive, effective care.

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

Refer a patient

Common radiology services

Resources for patients and referring providers

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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.

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Refer a patient

Referring patients to UW Medicine’s vascular and interventional radiology department is simple. 

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Common radiology terminology

Common terminology used by our vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) team.