An interventional radiologist leads a specialized team to perform interventional radiology (IR) procedures. These minimally invasive procedures are image-guided, targeted treatments that offer less risk, less pain and a shorter recovery time as compared to surgery. Barnes-Jewish Hospital has one of the largest, most comprehensive IR departments in the United States.
Interventional Radiology: Why Choose Us?
When you come to the Washington University Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, you will find:
- Exceptional accreditations: Barnes-Jewish Hospital has the distinction of being a designated Level 1 Trauma Center. The interventional radiology team is an essential part of treating acute trauma cases.
- High volume: The interventional radiology department sees more than 40,000 patients per year. This high volume gives our radiologists the experience and expertise to handle the most complex and critical cases.
- Experienced team available around the clock: Because we are a designated trauma center, our team has the ability to manage patient care 24/7, 365 days a year. With 14 radiologists on the IR team alone, we are always able to respond with the high level of care and expertise you expect. Meet our radiology team.
- Advanced technology: We have 7 fully equipped interventional angiography suites, as well as 2 CT scanners outfitted to perform IR procedures, giving us the ability to perform complex procedures as needed.
- Support for those at highest risk: We have the skilled team and advanced technologies necessary to care for high-risk patients, emergency situations and manage long-term support for chemotherapy and dialysis patients.
Preparing for Your Interventional Radiology Appointment
Before you come in for an interventional radiology appointment, please follow this checklist:
- Arrive 30 minutes early: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration time and to answer any questions you may have before your procedure.
- Have these documents ready:
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Insurance card(s)
- Completed Medication Record
- List of any allergies
- Check with your referring physician about lab work: Most procedures require certain lab work and imaging prior to the procedure, which your referring physician will order.
- Food, drink and medication: Take your medication as you normally do, with small sips of water, unless your referring physician has told you otherwise. For any procedure requiring sedation, do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to your exam. If you are receiving sedation, you need to have a responsible adult with you who will be able to drive you home after the procedure. If you use a CPAP or BiPAP machine at home, please bring it with you to your appointment.
- Be prepared to discuss your medical history: We may ask you about your completed Medication Record, allergies and any previous surgeries. Women should always inform their physician and the IR staff if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
- Ask questions: All members of our nursing staff are trained in critical care. They can answer questions or concerns you may have before a procedure.
Contact Us
New patients: To schedule an appointment, please call 314.362.7111 or toll free at 877.992.7111. Please note: You or your referring physician will need to provide a referral order before your appointment.
Current IR patients: Please call the interventional radiology department at 314.362.6681 with any questions about your IR procedure. Get all the patient information you need, including additional contact information and maps to our locations.