FAQ

Vascular medicine is a specialty in healthcare where open surgery is replaced with minimally invasive procedures. These procedures are done through tiny holes that enter the patient’s arteries and veins to provide pinpoint treatment right where the problem exists. The interventional radiologist uses image guided wires to either open an artery, close and artery or delivery medicine depending on what the procedure requires. Since the procedure is done through tiny holes in the patient’s wrist or groin, and not open surgery, there is minimal pain and recovery times are measured in hours not days. Learn more

From the time you walk in the door, our clinical staff will guide you through the preparation — usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on the procedure. Each procedure differs on length but can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You will then be in one of our comfortable recovery rooms for 1-2 hours. You can home that same day with minimal to no pain and sleep in your own bed that night.

An advantage of IR procedures is that we do not need to use general anesthetic that can cause potential complications and cause the patient to generally feel “out of it” for a few hours. Instead, we use mild “conscious sedation” anesthesia and local anesthetic during these procedures. When the procedure is done, the pain level is roughly what one would experience after a shot or blood draw.

IR procedures do not require general anesthetic that can cause potential complications and cause the patient to generally feel “out of it” for a few hours. We use mild “conscious sedation” anesthesia and local anesthetic during these procedures. You will leave our clinic feeling rested, but not “groggy”. However, we do not recommend that you drive after your procedure.

Morning medications may be taken with a limited amount of water.

In most cases, yes! Our patient concierge will work with you and your insurance carrier to make the most of your insurance coverage and keep as much money in your pocket as possible.