Pediatric Interventional Radiology

The pediatric interventional radiologists at University Health perform a number of corrective and diagnostic procedures for children. 

Common Interventional Radiology Procedures

• Vascular access
  
  • Placement of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and central venous lines to deliver medication directly to large veins near the heart
• Enteral access
  • Placement of gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy tubes for children who have difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition
  • This procedure connects part of the stomach to the middle part of the small intestine. This allows food and other stomach contents to pass directly from the stomach to the middle of the small intestine without passing through the first part of the small intestine
• Biopsies (removing small tissue samples) of organs for study in a lab
• Drainage of fluid collections in the pelvis or abdomen
• Tumor ablation
  
  • This minimally invasive procedure uses thermal energy to destroy cancerous cells or to treat benign tumors that are causing problems
• Treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVM), which are abnormal clusters of veins
• Embolization of liver, kidney and other tumors
  
  • This minimally invasive procedure uses microparticles to block a blood vessel leading to a tumor or a bleeding vessel. This blocks the tumor from growing or stops internal bleeding

What to Expect

At University Children's Health, your child's comfort is our priority. Before your child's procedure, we will call you with details about what to expect. When you arrive at University Hospital, you will check in with our staff, who will guide your child to the procedure room.

We may administer anesthesia to your child to keep them comfortable throughout their procedure. You are welcome to bring comfort items such as stuffed animals and blankets for your child to hold after the procedure. 

Interventional radiology is less invasive than other treatment methods, so your child will have a quicker recovery time and less scarring. 

All pediatric interventional radiology procedures are performed at University Hospital.