Interventional Radiology

Cutting-edge interventional radiology & cancer care

Interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive treatments for cancer and many other conditions. Using real-time imaging, they guide catheters and other tiny tools through the veins and arteries to deliver treatment directly to tumors. Their techniques include blocking the tumor's blood supply (embolization), freezing or heating the tumor (ablation), or delivering immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation directly into the tumor in the form of tiny particles.

Many procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to go home on the same day as their appointment. These minimally invasive approaches can help reduce pain and minimize side effects compared to traditional surgery or cancer treatments.

Our interventional radiology team

Interventional radiology (IR) is an integral part of any comprehensive cancer program. NewYork-Presbyterian’s experts are board-certified physicians with advanced fellowship training. Together, they have performed thousands of procedures, improving and extending the lives of cancer patients of all ages. Our experts work closely with your cancer team to coordinate care, customize treatment, and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Interventional radiology procedures for cancer

Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may use one of several minimally invasive(IR) treatments to target cancer. Interventional radiology treatments for cancer include:

Chemoembolization: A minimally invasive treatment that delivers a highly potent dose of chemotherapy directly to a tumor while blocking its blood supply.
Tumor ablation: An image-guided procedure that destroys tumors using extreme heat, cold, or other forms of energy delivered through a small probe.
Y90 treatment: Also called radioembolization, this treatment uses tiny, radioactive beads to deliver radiation directly to tumors while limiting exposure to healthy tissue. This treatment is used for liver cancer or cancers that originated in the liver.
Histotripsy: A noninvasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to break down and destroy tumor tissue in a targeted area.
Venous access: The placement of a port or catheter into a vein to provide long-term access for medications, treatments, or blood draws.
Biopsy: A procedure that removes a small sample of tissue so it can be examined for cancer or other conditions.
IVC filter placement and retrieval: Placement of a small filter in the body's main vein to help prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs.
Deep vein thrombosis treatment: A treatment that removes, dissolves, or manages blood clots in deep veins to restore blood flow and help prevent serious complications.