In Collaboration with Pueblo Medical Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about minimally invasive treatment options, recovery, consultations, insurance coverage, and interventional radiology procedures.
Our goal is to help patients better understand available treatment options and feel informed before making medical decisions.
Board-Certified Interventional Radiology • Santa Barbara
Questions welcome. No referral required.
What Is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty focused on minimally invasive, image-guided procedures used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions without large surgical incisions.
Using advanced imaging such as ultrasound, CT, and fluoroscopy, many procedures can be performed through a small catheter or needle rather than traditional open surgery. Depending on the condition being treated, this may allow for:
-
Shorter recovery times
-
Less pain after procedures
-
Lower complication rates in select cases
-
Faster return to normal activities
-
Outpatient treatment options
Interventional radiologists receive specialized training in minimally invasive techniques involving the vascular system, organs, tumors, and complex image-guided procedures.
Common conditions treated include:
-
Enlarged prostate (BPH)
-
Uterine fibroids
-
Peripheral artery disease
-
Venous disease
-
Portal hypertension
-
Liver tumors
-
Knee pain
What Should I Expect During a Consultation?
Consultations are designed to help determine whether a minimally invasive treatment option may be appropriate for your condition.
During the visit, we may review:
-
Symptoms and medical history
-
Prior imaging or lab work
-
Previous treatments or surgeries
-
Current medications
-
Goals and expectations
-
Alternative treatment options
Many patients seek consultation after learning about minimally invasive alternatives to surgery or after symptoms have not improved with medications alone.
Whenever possible, consultations are intended to be educational and collaborative. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and fully understand potential risks, benefits, recovery expectations, and available treatment options before making decisions.
Are These Procedures Surgical?
Most interventional radiology procedures are considered minimally invasive and are performed through a small skin puncture rather than a large surgical incision.
Depending on the procedure, treatment may be performed:
-
Outpatient
-
With moderate sedation
-
Without general anesthesia
-
Without an overnight hospital stay
Recovery experiences vary depending on the procedure and individual patient factors, but many patients are able to resume light activity within several days.
For some procedures, patients may experience temporary fatigue, soreness, cramping, or urinary symptoms during the recovery period. Detailed recovery instructions are reviewed before discharge.
What is PAE?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. The procedure works by reducing blood flow to portions of the prostate, causing the gland to shrink over time.
Am I a candidate for PAE?
Many men with bothersome urinary symptoms related to BPH may qualify for PAE, particularly patients seeking alternatives to surgery or long-term medication use. Consultation and imaging review help determine candidacy.
What symptoms can PAE help improve?
Patients commonly seek treatment for:
-
Frequent urination
-
Nighttime urination
-
Weak urinary stream
-
Urgency
-
Difficulty emptying the bladder
-
Urinary retention
Does PAE affect sexual function?
One potential advantage of PAE is preservation of sexual function compared to some traditional surgical approaches. Individual outcomes vary, and treatment discussions are personalized to each patient.
How long is recovery after PAE?
Most patients return home the same day. Many patients resume desk work or light activity within several days, though recovery experiences vary. Temporary urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort, or increased urinary frequency may occur during the recovery period before gradual improvement.
Is PAE covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on insurance provider and individual policy. Our office can help review authorization requirements and insurance eligibility whenever possible.
What is UFE?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment that blocks blood flow to uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
What symptoms can fibroids cause?
Fibroids may contribute to:
-
Heavy menstrual bleeding
-
Pelvic pressure
-
Pelvic pain
-
Frequent urination
-
Bloating
-
Fatigue related to anemia
Can UFE preserve the uterus?
Yes. UFE is considered a uterine-sparing treatment option for many women with symptomatic fibroids.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients return to light activity within several days, although fatigue and pelvic cramping may temporarily occur during recovery. Individual recovery experiences vary.
Can fibroids return after treatment?
Most treated fibroids shrink significantly following embolization. Follow-up imaging and symptom monitoring remain important parts of long-term care.
Is UFE an alternative to surgery?
For appropriately selected patients, UFE may offer a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy. Consultation and imaging review help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Are Procedures Covered by Insurance?
Many interventional radiology procedures are covered by insurance, including Medicare and numerous commercial insurance plans.
Coverage depends on:
-
The specific procedure
-
Medical necessity
-
Prior authorization requirements
-
Individual insurance policies
Our office can help guide patients through the authorization and scheduling process whenever possible.
When Should I Consider a Consultation?
You may benefit from consultation if you are experiencing:
-
Frequent urination
-
Weak urinary stream
-
Urinary retention
-
Pelvic pressure or heavy menstrual bleeding
-
Leg swelling or venous symptoms
-
Chronic knee pain
-
Liver disease complications
-
Vascular symptoms affecting quality of life
Many patients seek consultation to better understand all available treatment options before pursuing surgery.
Patient Experiences
“I appreciated the time taken to explain everything clearly and discuss all of my treatment options.”
— Fibroid Treatment Patient
“Recovery was smoother than I expected, and I continued feeling better each day after the procedure.”
— Uterine Fibroid Embolization Patient
“I’m feeling significantly better and was grateful for the communication and follow-up throughout the process.”
— Prostate Artery Embolization Patient