Interventional Radiology Service

The Interventional Radiology (IR) Service at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats problems inside the body using medical imaging to guide small tools. 

Instead of open surgery, doctors make tiny cuts or use needles and thin tubes to reach the problem area. This is not a surgery. 

Benefits of minimally invasive procedures are: 

• Faster recovery  
• Smaller incisions (or sometimes no incisions) 
• Less pain 
• Fewer problems after treatment 

The IR Service delivers safe, expert care for children. We offer many types of tests and treatments, with a special focus on children with cancer. Our team guides and supports patients and families through each step of their treatment. 

Services we provide

The IR Service offers procedures for diagnosis and treatment. 

Treatment and support 

The IR Service uses many procedures to help treat cancer, manage pain, and support your child’s care. Some of our treatments include: 

• Radioembolization (Y-90): tiny radioactive beads placed in a blood vessel to treat liver cancer
• Histotripsy: Ultrasound (sound waves that destroy tumors) 
• Tumor ablation: freezing or using heat at a specific spot to kill tumors  
• Pain and palliative care procedures: special treatments to reduce pain and support comfort, including neurolysis (a procedure to treat painful nerves) and end‑of‑life care 
• Lumbar puncture: a spinal fluid sample taken for testing or giving medicine into the spine (intrathecal treatment)  

Other procedures 

These procedures aid treatment and help the body heal: 

• Central venous line placement: placing small tubes, such as subcutaneous ports, tunneled lines, PICCs, and temporary lines, into a vein to give medicine or fluids 
• Thrombolysis: giving medicine directly into blood clots  
• Angioplasty: using a tiny balloon to open narrow blood vessels 
• Embolization: placing medicine in a blood vessel to block blood flow, shrink tumors, or stop bleeding 
• Lymphangiography: using a special dye to find and repair a leak in lymph vessels (chyle leaks) 
• Biopsies: guiding small needles or tools to collect a small tissue sample from a tumor or organ for lab testing 
• Drain placement: placing a small tube in the body to remove extra fluid from an area 
• Feeding tube placement: inserting a small tube to deliver nutrition or medicine directly into the stomach or intestines (G, GJ, and NJ tubes) 

We use imaging such as:  

• Ultrasound: uses high-frequency sound waves to create images that show the inside of the body 
• Fluoroscopy: a type of x-ray that makes real-time images and allows the care team to see how parts of the body move and function. It often involves a special dye or contrast liquid that is swallowed or injected to show organs or structures. 
• CT scans: use computers and x-rays to make 3D images of the inside of the body 

Imaging helps us guide and deliver treatments to specific parts of the body. 

Your Interventional Radiology team

The IR Service has a team of experienced, highly trained medical professionals who work with your child’s primary care team. Some care providers your child may see include: 

• Pediatric interventional radiologists: doctors with advanced training who use imaging to guide small tools and treat medical problems without surgery
• Nurse practitioners: advanced‑trained nurses who examine patients, perform procedures, diagnose medical conditions, and prescribe treatment
• Radiology technologists: specially trained professionals who run imaging equipment and support doctors during procedures
• Registered nurses: nurses who give medicines, watch your child’s health during procedures, and support recovery afterward
• Child life specialists: trained professionals who help children feel calmer and more prepared using play, learning, and emotional support
• Anesthesiologists: doctors who specialize in managing pain

What to expect during your visit

The IR team is committed to caring for children in a child-friendly environment. Care is gentle and effective, so your child feels supported and well cared for during the treatment or procedure.  

Before the procedure, your child may be asked to fast or have blood tests. Follow the instructions from your care team. 

What happens during your child’s visit will depend on the procedure your child is having. Most visits follow these general steps: 

1. A member of the Interventional Radiology (IR) team may meet with you a few days before the procedure. They will explain what will happen and answer your questions. 
2. On the day of the procedure, you will check in at the Radiology Waiting Room. A nurse will meet you there and take your child to the pre‑operative area (pre‑op). 
3. Your child will change into a hospital gown. 
4. You and your child will meet the care team. They will explain the procedure again, answer questions, and help your child feel safe and comfortable. 
5. Your child will go from the pre‑op area to the procedure room. You will be escorted to the Waiting Room, where you will receive updates from the care team. 
6. Your child may receive anesthesia or medicine to help them relax or sleep during the procedure. 
7. The care team will clean your child’s skin. They may also use medicine to numb the area so your child does not feel pain. 
8. Your child may get an injection, IV, tiny cut, or very small cut or opening in the skin. 
9. The doctor will place small tubes or tools through the opening and carefully guide them to the right spot. 
10. The tools may be used to give treatment or take samples, depending on your child’s procedure. Some procedures include placing a medical device that may stay in your child’s body after the procedure. 
11. Once the procedure is complete, the tools will be removed. A small bandage will be placed over the area.  
12. Your child will rest and recover. You will receive instructions on how to care for your child after the procedure. 

Contact us

If you have questions or would like more information about pediatric interventional radiology, please contact your primary clinic.

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