Common Radiology Terminology

Our vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) team uses medical imaging to perform minimally invasive procedures on patients. Vascular and interventional radiologists use CT scans, ultrasounds and other imaging technologies to guide the insertion of catheters, wires and other medical instruments during a VIR procedure.

Below you’ll find many of the common services, procedures and terms used by our vascular and interventional radiology team.

A

Ablation
The use of heat, cold or chemicals to destroy tissues, tumors or blood vessels.

Artery (arterial)
A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the organs and tissues of the body.

B

Balloon Angioplasty
Also known as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), this endovascular procedure uses a small balloon to open up narrowed blood vessels. A deflated balloon is inserted into the blood vessel using a catheter. When it reaches its destination, doctors inflate the balloon. The inflation returns the blood vessel to its normal size and improves blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed. Interventional radiologists may place a stent in the blood vessel to keep it open after the procedure.

C

Catheter
A long, thin and flexible tube used to perform VIR procedures, usually with the help of wires. Contrast agents, medications and medical devices may be delivered through the catheters.

Computed Tomography (CT scan, CAT scan)
An advanced medical imaging technique that uses x-rays to provide detailed images of the inside of the body. Intravenous (IV) or oral contrast agents may be used to view organs and tissues better.

E

Embolization
A method used to deliver various materials into a blood vessel or structure to block flow. These materials may include gelfoam slurries, metallic coils, beads or glue.

Endovascular
A minimally invasive technique in which an interventional radiologist inserts catheters or wires into blood vessels through a small incision about the size of a pencil eraser called a skin nick. Then, using image guidance technologies, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, they guide the catheter or wire to the correct location to perform the procedures.

F

Fluoroscopy
An x-ray video interventional radiologists view in real time to help guide minimally invasive procedures. This procedure often uses contrast agents to provide better images.

M

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An advanced medical imaging technique using magnetic fields to provide detailed images of the inside of the body. Intravenous (IV) contrast agents may be used to view organs and tissues better.

Moderate Sedation (Conscious Sedation)
Our interventional radiology team may use a combination of intravenous (IV) medications to help you relax and stay comfortable during your procedure. Compared to general anesthesia, during moderate sedation, you are still aware of your surroundings, can breathe on your own and can follow verbal directions from your care team. Specially trained nurses and physicians provide close monitoring for your procedure.

S

Sclerosis or Sclerotherapy
An injection of a chemical into a blood vessel, tissue or fluid collection to scar the tissue and prevent reopening.

Stent
An expandable metal or plastic tube used to hold open a blood vessel or structure from the inside.

U

Ultrasound (US)
A medical imaging technology that uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body.

V

Vein (venous)
A blood vessel that carries blood from the organs and tissues of the body back to the heart.

W

Wires
Long, flexible, medical-grade wires are used along with catheters to help maneuver through blood vessels and other areas of the body to perform procedures.

Resources for patients and referring providers

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.

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.