Frequently Asked Questions
Interventional radiology offers a range of minimally invasive techniques that utilize advanced imaging technology to diagnose and treatvarious medical conditions.Whether you’re a new patient or seeking more information about our procedures, our goal is to ensure you feel informed and comfortable as you navigate your healthcare journey. If you have additional questions,don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
What is interventional radiology?
Interventional radiology is a type of medicine where doctors use real-time imaging—like X-rays or ultrasounds—to treat conditions inside the body without major surgery. Instead of large cuts, they use tiny tools like needles and thin tubes (called catheters) to reach the problem area through just a small nick in the skin.
For example, if a blood vessel is blocked, an interventional radiologist can guide a tiny tube into it and use a small balloon to open it—watching the whole thing on a screen. These procedures are usually less painful, have shorter recovery times, and can often be done without an overnight hospital stay.
IR is often used as a first-choice treatment, especially when surgery isn’t needed or other options haven’t worked. It’s a safe, effective way to treat many conditions with less stress on your body.
For example, if a blood vessel is blocked, an interventional radiologist can guide a tiny tube into it and use a small balloon to open it—watching the whole thing on a screen. These procedures are usually less painful, have shorter recovery times, and can often be done without an overnight hospital stay.
IR is often used as a first-choice treatment, especially when surgery isn’t needed or other options haven’t worked. It’s a safe, effective way to treat many conditions with less stress on your body.
What conditions can be treated using interventional radiology?
At North Star Vascular & Interventional, we offer minimally invasive treatment for the following conditions:
- Tennis Elbow
- Osteitis Pubis
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Spine Fractures
- Knee Pain
- Liver Cancer
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Enlarged Prostate
- Varicose Veins
- Uterine Fibroids
- Hemangioma
- Shoulder Conditions
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
- Thyroid Nodules
- Varicocele
- Chronic Hemorrhoids
- Goiter
How are IR procedures different from traditional surgery?
Traditional surgery requires an incision in the skin for the surgeon to access the area of the body being treated. The surgeon then uses special instruments like scalpels and orthopedic hardware to perform the treatment. IR procedures are performed from inside the body, usually through the vascular system (arteries and veins) using special catheters and tiny devices. The procedures are guided by medical imaging, such as X-ray and fluoroscopy. As a result, there is a shorter recovery, less pain and less overall trauma to the patient.
Are interventional radiologists considered surgeons?
No, but they require just as much education and training. Some interventional radiologists may also be vascular surgeons, but they have had extensive training in each area to be qualified to perform both imaging-guided procedures and surgical procedures.
Do I feel any of it? Will I experience pain during an IR procedure?
Other than the potential for slight discomfort or bruising on the skin where the catheter is inserted into the body, you will not experience pain during an IR procedure. Because of this, general anesthesia is not required. In many cases, moderate sedation is administered during IR procedures to help patients feel calm and comfortable.
Will I receive anesthesia for the procedure? What is moderate sedation?
No, anesthesia is not used for IR procedures. Moderate sedation is often used to calm the patient and to help them feel more comfortable during the procedure.
Is fluoroscopy the same as an X-ray?
- Similar technology, different use
- X-ray = a single picture
- Fluoroscopy = a live X-ray video used like GPS
Why do the images look black-and-white? What do the colors mean?
- It’s based on how much the body blocks X-rays
- Air = darker
- Soft tissue = gray
- Bone/metal/contrast = brighter
Why do you take pictures from so many angles?
- X-ray images are “flat,” like shadows
- Different angles help show depth and avoid overlap
- Think: reading a street sign from different sides of the road
What is that big C-shaped machine (C-arm) and why does it come so close?
- It’s the camera that takes X-ray pictures from multiple angles
- It may come close for a clear view, but it’s precisely controlled
- The team plans movements to avoid bumping you
What is cone-beam CT, and why do I have to hold still?
- The C-arm does a short spin to make a 3D picture
- Motion can blur the 3D image, so we may ask for a breath-hold
- It typically lasts only a few seconds
Can I feel radiation?
- No—X-rays have no sensation
- Warmth or pressure is usually from contrast or the procedure step
Does the radiation stay in my body after the procedure?
- No
- Once the X-ray stops, the exposure stops
- You are not radioactive afterward
How do you keep radiation as low as possible?
- Using the lowest settings that still give safe guidance
- Short bursts (“pulsed” imaging) instead of continuous when possible
- Tight beam focused only where needed (like a spotlight)
- Checking position efficiently (GPS style)
Why do staff sometimes step away or stand behind shields?
- Distance and shielding reduce exposure for staff who do this all day
- You’re monitored continuously even if someone steps back
Is the dose the same for everyone?
- No
- Depends on body size, the area being treated, and procedure complexity
- The team adjusts technique throughout the case
Should I worry if the procedure is long?
- Not automatically
- Long procedure time doesn’t mean the X-ray is on the whole time
- We monitor and manage imaging use continuously
What if I might be pregnant?
- Tell us before the procedure
- We can adjust the plan, shielding, and imaging strategy
- Sometimes we choose different imaging to reduce or avoid X-rays
Is radiation stored in my body afterward?
- Diagnostic X-rays don’t make you radioactive
- Once the X-ray stops, exposure stops
Should I avoid my kids/pregnant people after?
Usually, no. Standard IR imaging (X-ray/fluoroscopy/CT) does not make you radioactive. When the imaging stops, the exposure stops. Normal life is fine.
Why do you put shields on me / but not always?
Why do you put shields on me / but not always?Shields help only when they don’t block the view. If a shield covers the exact area we need to see, it can make the procedure less safe. We use shielding strategically. To protect areas that are not being imaged while keeping the target visible. The goal is lowest dose + best visibility for a safe procedure
Why do you use contrast dye?
- Blood vessels can be hard to see on X-ray by themselves
- Contrast acts like “highlighter” so vessels show up clearly
What does contrast feel like?
- A brief warm flush is common
- Sometimes a metallic taste or mild nausea for a moment
- Usually lasts seconds
Why do I sometimes feel like I wet myself?
- The warm flush can feel intense in the pelvis/groin area
- It’s a common sensation and passes quickly
Does contrast dye stay in my body?
- No
- Your body clears it, mainly through the kidneys
- Most people clear it within about a day
What if I’m allergic to contrast?
- True reactions are uncommon and often mild
- Your body clears it, mainly through the kidneysThe biggest predictor is a past contrast reaction
- We can plan ahead with medication or alternatives if needed
Why do I need to hold my breath for images?
- Breathing moves organs and vessels
- Motion can blur images or make subtraction images misalign
- Short breath-holds improve accuracy and safety
Why does the room get quiet during certain moments?
- Those are precision steps
- Everyone is focused on millimeter-level movements
- It’s normal and expected
Does ultrasound use radiation?
- No
- Ultrasound uses sound waves and echoes (like sonar)
Why does ultrasound look grainy?
- That texture is normal
- Ultrasound images are built from sound reflections, not light
- We interpret patterns and movement in real time
Speckle is normal
- It’s a property of sound reflection, not “bad equipment”
- Experienced operators interpret patterns, not perfect edges
Will the imaging equipment magnetize me or affect my implants?
- X-ray equipment doesn’t magnetize you
- Most implants are fine; metal can cause image “glare,” and we work around it
Why can’t you just use MRI for everything and avoid X-rays?
- MRI is excellent for some problems, not all
- IR often needs real-time tool tracking that X-ray/ultrasound provide best
- We choose the imaging tool that fits the job and safety
What are those beeps and alarms?
- Usually normal monitor alerts (heart rate, oxygen, blood pressure)
- Most alarms are minor—more “monitoring chatter” than emergency
What if the contrast goes ‘the wrong way’?
Flow is being observed on purpose
- Reflux/backflow can happen briefly
- The team watches this in real time and adjusts injection/position
Why do you inject contrast more than once?
Different phases
- Early = arteries
- Later = veins/tissue “blush”
- Repeated small injections can be safer than one big one
Can you see through metal implants?
Yes, but…
- Metal can create glare/streak (“artifact”)
- Angles/settings are adjusted to work around it
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members.
8401 Golden Valley Rd.
Suite 340
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Suite 340
Golden Valley, MN 55427
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