Surgical Support

Clinical Services: Interventional Radiology

Upper East Side
525 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065

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Fax

(646) 962-0941

Call

(646) 962-5757

Upper East Side
1283 York Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10065

Get Directions

Fax

(646) 962-0941

Call

(646) 962-5757

Upper West Side
2315 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10024

Get Directions

Fax

(646) 962-0941

Call

(646) 962-5757

The Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Interventional Radiology is nationally renowned for improving surgical procedures with high-quality imaging technology and minimally invasive capabilities.

Our interventional radiologists are trained to perform and lead the full spectrum of interventional radiology procedures. In addition, our team collaborates with and directly supports the many highly skilled surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine. Together, we can offer our patients more options for their surgical treatments, including minimally invasive options, as well as improve surgical techniques with imaging technology.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine for Your Surgery?

Compassionate, individualized support for your surgery: Our interventional radiologists will assist your surgical team with high-quality imaging technology and the use of minimally invasive procedures when possible.

Our personalized approach — combined with our use of leading technology and treatment options — offers patients the best possible chance of optimal health and well-being. We care for patients from before your diagnosis to after your recovery, prioritizing your personal goals for a vibrant, full life.

Multidisciplinary care from leading experts: When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you have access to a network of doctors and specialists. Your interventional radiologist may consult with experts in surgery and other medical professionals as needed.

Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.

Learn more about the Department of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine.

How Our Interventional Radiologists Improve Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine

The interventional radiologists here at Weill Cornell Medicine are nationally recognized for their expertise in using imaging technology and performing minimally invasive procedures. They use X-Rays, MRI and other imaging tools to guide small instruments (catheters and endoscopes) to treat a wide variety of diseases.

Some patients cannot receive a minimally invasive treatment by an interventional radiologist. In these cases, our interventional radiologists help the surgical team by providing imaging assistance and performing supportive surgical procedures using minimally invasive techniques.

● Percutaneous (through the skin) biopsies: Biopsies use advanced image guidance to take a small sample of tissue for diagnosis and to guide therapy.

● Medication injections: Small instruments are guided into the body to precisely deliver medications without harming the healthy tissues.

● Gastrostomy-Jejunostomy (G-J) tube placement: A G-J tube is placed using X-Ray guidance. A G-J tube allows food and medicine to be given directly into the stomach or jejunum instead of through the mouth.

● PICC line placement: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line is a thin, soft, long catheter (tube) that is inserted into a vein in the arm, leg or neck. The tip of the catheter is positioned in a large vein that carries blood into the heart. The PICC line is used for long-term intravenous antibiotics, nutrition or medications and for blood draws.

● Lumbar puncture: During a lumbar puncture, the physician will insert a needle into the lower spine to obtain cerebrospinal fluid to look for infection or cancer cells, inject a chemotherapy drug for patients with cancer, or relieve cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

● Therapeutic joint injections: Joint injections are a form of treatment for patients with arthritis. Using ultrasound, X-Ray or CT scan for guidance, the doctor will place a small needle into the affected joint and inject a high-dose steroid.

Make an Appointment

Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion.

Meet Our Physicians

The physicians at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Interventional Radiology offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.

Our Doctors

FAQ

Will I receive anesthesia or sedation for my procedure?

Interventional radiology procedures generally do not receive general anesthesia. Instead, your care team will generally numb the incision area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Then, an intravenous (IV) line will deliver sedation, which will make you more comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Some patients fall asleep during the procedure.

Your sedation level will depend on your specific procedure, age and medical condition:

● Minimal sedation: You will be drowsy but able to talk.

● Moderate sedation: You may fall asleep and be unaware of your surroundings for some of the procedure.

● Deep sedation: You will be asleep but will breathe on your own. You will have very little memory of the procedure.

Will I need to spend the night in the hospital afterward?

Most procedures require a minimum recovery of four hours in our care (this is called an “outpatient procedure”). For other interventional radiology procedures, you may need to stay one night in the hospital before being discharged. Your care team will inform you of your expected recovery time prior to your procedure.

You will not be able to drive after your procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone else to accompany you to your procedure and take you home.

How long will the procedure take?

The length of time varies by procedure. Most interventional radiology treatments are minimally invasive procedures, which offer several benefits:

● Shorter procedures than traditional surgery

● Less exposure to anesthesia

● Smaller incisions

● Quicker recovery after the procedures

Who is in the room during the procedure?

Most procedures require three healthcare professionals:

● Interventional Radiologist (MD)

● Radiology nurse

● X-Ray technologist

● On occasion, a medical student and/or resident may be present

How should I prepare for my procedure?

● Bring all medications in their labeled containers with you on the day of your procedure

● Blood work is required prior to most procedures

● Please ensure that you have not had anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure

● Shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of the procedure

● Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home; we are not responsible for items that you bring into the hospital

● Plan on being at the hospital for at least 4 hours

● Plan on resting for 12 hours post procedure

● Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before or after your procedure

● You MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home

● Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery for the remainder of that day after the procedure

Can I eat or drink on the day of the procedure?

You will receive instruction when scheduling the procedure and one to two days before the procedure that explains your medication and food restrictions. Our standard protocol when anticipating sedation is to not to eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure. You may have clear fluids (such as water) up to two hours before. If you eat anything less than eight hours, your procedure may be cancelled.

What if I have an allergy to contrast?

If you have a contrast allergy, there are medications that can be prescribed for you to take prior to your procedure to help protect you against your allergy. These medications can help block your body’s response to an allergen.

Will my procedure be painful/uncomfortable?

Because interventional radiology procedures are minimally invasive, the pain is much less than with traditional surgery. However, it is possible to experience minimal pain at the insertion site. Our care team will be sure to help manage your pain so that you feel as comfortable as possible.

How can I schedule my procedure?

Our office has a team of schedulers that can assist you in scheduling your procedure. The schedulers can be reached at (646) 962-5757.

Is radiation safe?

While radiation does have safety concerns, your interventional radiologist will be specially trained in the safe use of radiation and on how to minimize the risks associated. Interventional radiologists use federal guidelines on the recommended safe doses to use during specific treatments.