Interventional Radiology at Urology Austin

As a leader in comprehensive urologic care,  Urology Austin is proud to offer new minimally invasive treatment options for the treatment of enlarged prostate, uterine fibroids, varicoceles and hemorrhoids. These conditions can now be treated in our new outpatient Interventional Radiology suite located at the Atrium location in Austin, Texas. Patients are treated with personalized care by our staff and physician on the day of their procedure. No general anesthesia is required, and the patient can return home within hours of the procedure.

What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that performs minimally invasive treatments using radiologic imaging for procedure guidance. Interventional radiology treatments have become the primary method of care for a variety of conditions. IR treatments can offer less risk, less pain and shorter recovery time compared to surgery.

Interventional radiologists use x-rays, CT, MRI or other imaging guidance to navigate small instruments through blood vessels and organs to treat a variety of diseases. Examples of treatments administered by interventional radiologists include embolization, image-guided thermal ablation, biopsy, thrombolysis, angioplasty and heart stents. These minimally invasive treatments can cure or alleviate symptoms of osteo arthritis, frozen shoulder enlarged prostate, uterine fibroids, enlarged veins, vascular disease, stroke and cancer.

Interventional radiologists are also experts at reading and interpreting x-rays, ultrasound, CTs, MRIs and other forms of medical imaging.

What are the advantages of Interventional Radiology?

The advantages of these minimally invasive techniques include reduced risks, faster recover, greater comfort, and a quicker return to work. The effectiveness of treatment may be better than with traditional treatments. IR is particularly relevant for patients who are in frail health or who have already undergone numerous surgeries.

Treatments available at the Interventional Radiology Center 

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

PAE is a minimally invasive treatment that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, also known as BPH. PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist through a small catheter inserted into the artery in your wrist or groin. 

The interventional radiologist will then guide the catheter into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate. Tiny round microspheres (particles) are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels that feed your prostate to reduce its blood supply.

 Following this procedure, the prostate will begin to shrink, relieving and improving symptoms usually within days of the procedure. When the prostate reduces in size (because the blood supply is slowed), there is a lessening of obstruction along the urinary pathway and less pressure on the bladder.

Treatment for Varicocele 

A varicocele is an enlarged vein in the scrotum next to the testicle. It is similar to varicose veins in the leg, and it is a very common condition that affects 15% of men. Veins have valves that help blood circulate through the body and back to the heart. When the valves in the vein are weak or don’t work properly, blood pools in the vein and causes the vein to enlarge.

The procedure takes place in an outpatient setting in our interventional radiology suite. This is in an office setting and does not require hospitalization. Embolization is performed with local anesthesia and sedation (“twilight sleep”).
The interventional radiologist makes a small cut in the groin to insert a tiny tube called a catheter into the femoral vein. Moving x-ray, called fluoroscopy, is used to guide the procedure. The catheter is guided into the testicular vein.
 Once in the testicular vein, x-ray dye called “contrast” is injected to map out the problem area. Coils or particles are used to block or “embolize” the varicocele.
 Once the vein is blocked, the damaged vein is shut off, and the blood flow is redirected to the surrounding healthier veins. Pressure decreases in the varicocele, which helps restore normal function and ease pain.

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)

If you or someone you know suffers from recurring hemorrhoids and is looking for a non-surgical treatment option, hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) may be a game-changing solution.

What is HAE?

Hemorrhoid artery embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Using image guidance, the physician places a tiny catheter into the arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoids and blocks them using microscopic particles. This reduces blood flow, causing the hemorrhoids to shrink and symptoms to improve.

Benefits of HAE

• No general anesthesia or surgical incisions
• Lower risk of pain and complications compared to traditional surgery
• Quick recovery time—many patients return to normal activity within days
• Performed in a specialized outpatient setting

Is HAE Right for You?

HAE is ideal for patients with internal hemorrhoids who haven’t responded to conservative treatments like diet, topical medications, or rubber band ligation.

To schedule an appointment to learn more, please call 737-241-2184