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A pediatric interventional radiologist at USA Health treats a patient.

Pediatric Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology uses image guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures that aid in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions. 

Call 251-533-8276

About Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology (sometimes called “IR”) often uses ultrasound, CT or fluoroscopy to guide procedures. As a part of an academic medical center, the Pediatric IR team at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital are active members of the Society for Pediatric Interventional Radiology.

Advantages of Interventional Radiology

  • Minimally invasive
  • Faster recovery
  • Less pain
     

Sedation

We work to make procedures comfortable while taking special considerations for a child’s unique developmental needs. For certain children and procedures, Pediatric Anesthesia and the PICU team help with sedation medicine or anesthesia.

Child Life Specialists 

Child life specialists are on hand to help minimize patients’ anxieties. These specialists are certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals and trained to support the developmental and psychosocial needs of children undergoing medical experiences. They provide services such as procedural preparation and support, education, coping and relaxation techniques, medical play, and sensory experiences.

Examples of Conditions Treated

Abdominal Ascites

Image-guided paracentesis may remove extra fluid to help with comfort and/or provide a fluid sample for diagnosis.

Perforated Appendix

Transabdominal or transrectal drainage catheter placement may help in certain cases of appendicitis.

Thyroid Nodules

Ultrasound-guided biopsy or fine-needle aspirations may help with diagnostics.

Hydronephrosis/Urinary Obstruction

Percutaneous nephrostomy or nephroureteral stent (also referred to as “PCN” or “Neph Tubes”) can be placed to help improve or maintain kidney function.

Abscess or Fluid Collection

Image-guided drainage of abscesses or fluid collections may help with symptom improvement and targeting medical management.

Joint Pain

Image-guided steroid injections may help with joint pain.

Venous or Lymphatic Malformations

Sclerotherapy treatment is typically a series of treatments that can help shrink venous or lymphatic malformations.

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Image-guided biopsies may assist in the diagnosis of different cancers.

Emergency Bleeding

Angiography and embolization may help control or stop emergency bleeding.

Gastroparesis/Reflux/Failure to Thrive/Feeding Intolerance

A gastrojejunostomy tube may be placed or replaced to help with enteral feeding. These feeding tubes are also commonly referred to as “G.J. Tubes.”

Hypersalivation (Excessive Drooling/Secretions)

Salivary Gland Botox© Injection may help decrease drool and oral secretions.

Long Term Venous Access/Central Lines

A port, tunneled central venous catheter, or peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”) may be options for long-term venous access to administer IV medications, nutrition, or chemotherapy.

Pulmonary Disease with Fluid Around the Lung

Image-guided thoracentesis removes unwanted fluid from around the lung to improve breathing and help with guiding medical management. 

Deep Vein Thrombus/Blood Clots/Pulmonary Embolism

Clots may be removed, and an inferior vena cava filter may potentially protect the lungs from future clots.

Increased Cerebral Pressures/Optic Nerve Swelling

An image-guided lumbar puncture may help measure cerebral spinal fluid pressures and fluid analysis.

What To Expect Before Your Procedure

Before your child’s procedure, you will receive a phone call from our team with pre-procedure instructions. Your procedure will take place at either USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital or USA Health University Hospital. The phone number for the clinic is 251-533-8276. If we are not able to answer the phone, please leave a voicemail, and we will return your call.

What To Expect the Day of Your Procedure

First, you will register your child and fill out the necessary paperwork. Don’t forget to bring insurance and identification cards. A list of your child’s health information and current medications is also helpful.

Up to two adult family members may remain with your child in the pre-procedure area. You may read, watch TV, or listen to music while waiting. Nurses and doctors will be checking on you and your child while you wait. Once it is time for your child’s procedure, family will be asked to go to the waiting room.

After the procedure, you will join your child in the recovery area. A provider will explain how the procedure went, and staff will make sure you have all the resources and information needed for your child's continued recovery. School and work excuses also may be provided as needed.

How to Make a Referral

We welcome referrals. For providers outside USA Health, please call 251-533-8276. USA Health providers can call or message us through the Cerner EMR network.

Call 251-533-8276

Meet Our Team

Our pediatric interventional radiology team includes the following providers.

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