Interventional Radiology

An interventional radiologist specializes in treating disorders of the body using minimally-invasive techniques and the blood vessels to gain access into the body. An interventional radiologist has additional education and training (fellowship) above and beyond the required four years of a basic diagnostic radiology residency. All of the interventional radiologists associated with Community Health Network are board certified by the American Board of Radiology and are Community MD Anderson physicians. Learn more about common IR procedures and conditions that can be treated below.

For more information about interventional radiology procedures or to make an appointment, please call 317-621-5555.

Heavy Periods, Pelvic Pain and Uterine Fibroids

It is normal for women to experience a heavy menstrual period or cramps from time to time. What is not normal is a heavy period that impacts how you live your daily life or pelvic pain that is constant or unbearable. One possible cause of these symptoms is common, non-cancerous growths on the uterine wall called uterine fibroids. Symptoms of uterine fibroids can be effectively treated with uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally-invasive alternative to hysterectomy.

To schedule a consultation about easing the symptoms of uterine fibroids with UFE, please call 317-621-5555. Learn more and watch free video presentations from Dr. Karen Ehrman, UFE expert, at eCommunity.com/UFE.

Osteoporosis and Vertebral Compression Fractures

Vertebral (spine) compression fractures (VCF) are the most common fractures in people with osteoporosis. It occurs when one of the bones of the spinal column weakens and collapses. Each year there are more than 700,000 spine fractures—more than hip and wrist fractures combined. Spine fractures are extremely painful, resulting in decreased mobility and appetite, poor lung function, and insomnia.

Balloon kyphoplasty is a revolutionary treatment for vertebral compression due to osteoporosis or cancer that can make it easier for patients to return to everyday activities like walking, bending or lifting, with significantly less pain than before. In this procedure, orthopedic balloons are used in an attempt to elevate the bone fragments of the fractured vertebra and return them to the correct position. Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure typically takes less than an hour and may require an overnight hospital stay.

This outpatient, non-surgical procedure results in pain relief in more than 95% of patients. Radiology of Indiana at Community Health Network is a leading provider of this procedure in the United States.

To learn more about procedures to treat osteoporosis, call 317-621-5555.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS)

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition in which veins that normally surround the uterus and ovaries become stretched, swollen, and tender. These pelvic “varicose veins,” similar to the varicose veins that commonly occur in the legs, can cause severe pressure on the female pelvic organs.

The blood in the large veins that drain the ovaries normally flows in an upward direction toward the heart. In the case of pelvic venous congestion, the valves that control blood flow in the veins are not working properly. The blood pools in the veins around the ovaries, the uterus and other pelvic structures, causing pressure and pain. PCS typically affects women age 20–50.

To learn more about PCS treatment with our interventional radiology experts, call 317-621-5555.

Prostate Artery Embolization for Enlarged Prostate

An Innovative Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate. It is the most common disease of the prostate and is very common in middle-aged and elderly men. It can affect 50% of men at age 60, and 90% of those aged over 85 years. BPH is benign (non-cancerous) and commonly causes obstruction of the bladder outflow. The condition can cause debilitating symptoms that have an impact on quality of life.

PAE is a minimally-invasive procedure for the treatment of BPH with lower urinary tract symptoms. The prostate arteries are embolized by tiny microspheres that block some of the blood flow to the prostate, shrinking the tissue and relieving the symptoms.

Call 317-621-5555 to make an appointment with one of our board-certified interventional radiologists who are experts in prostatic artery embolization (PAE).

Radioembolization (Y90) for Liver Cancer

A Scientifically-Based Palliative Alternative to Radio and Chemotherapies

For patients with a primary or metastatic liver cancer diagnosis, the treatment road ahead can be both long and arduous. Unfortunately, about 18,500 cases of liver cancer are diagnosed each year. It is twice as common in men than women and frequently is seen in patients with cirrhosis.

Treatment is often made difficult because liver tumors are often inoperable and chemotherapy drugs have been ineffective in curing liver cancer. But there’s some good news, in the form of new treatment options that can extend and improve the quality of life.

Call 317-621-5555 to make an appointment with one of our board-certified interventional radiologists who are experts in yttrium-90 radioembolization.

Tendon Pain

We offer an innovative procedure called Tenex Health TX to relieve tendon pain caused by plantar fasciitis, jumper's knee, tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis and more. The non-surgical technique uses gentle ultrasound-guided imaging to quickly and safely remove damaged tissue. Pain relief is often immediate and most patients return to normal daily activities within six weeks.

Tenex Brochure (PDF)

Call 317-621-5555 to learn more about Tenex Health TX procedure for tendon pain, or to schedule a consultation with a board-certified interventional radiologist.

Varicose Veins

Do you suffer from painful, unsightly varicose veins? Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a highly-effective, minimally-invasive, non-surgical, outpatient treatment for varicose veins. This procedure takes less than 60 minutes and patients are able to resume their normal daily activities the day after the procedure. Because this is an outpatient procedure, patients can leave after the procedure is completed and may even be able to return to work the same day.

EVLT is covered by the vast majority of insurance companies. Our interventional radiologists are considered national experts in the treatment of varicose veins and offer the full-range of vein treatment including ambulatory (micro) phlebectomy and spider vein sclerotherapy.

To learn more about varicose vein treatment options, call 317-621-5555.