Interventional Radiology FAQ’s
How long will it take to get the results?
At Atlantic Medical Imaging all procedures are performed by one of our board-certified radiologists. At the conclusion of the procedure the radiologist will inform you of any results. The radiologist will also generate a report which will be sent to your doctor within 24-48 hours.
How long do the procedures take?
The amount of time varies between procedures. Some take as little as 15 minutes and most are completed in under 1 hour. You will be told an approximate length of time on the day of your procedure.
How painful is the procedure?
Every effort is made to make you comfortable. Numbing medicine is used similar to what your dentist administers. While some discomfort is likely most patients tolerate the procedures well.
What is a catheter?
A catheter is a simply a thin tube which is inserted into your body. These tubes allow medication and fluids to be injected into your body without needing a needle to be inserted each time. There are many different kinds of catheters, each with a specific use. Some catheters can actually be implanted under your skin so that no part of the tube is visible from the outside. The type of catheter you will receive will be discussed with you at length prior to the procedure.
How long does the catheter stay in?
The lenght of time your catheter stays in is dependent on why it was inserted in the first place. The length of time will be discussed with you prior to starting the procedure. Some stay in for a couple of days, others stay in for months.
Can I go home after the procedure?
For most procedures you will be able to leave soon after completion. Occasionally the radiologist will want to monitor you for an hour or two. This monitoring is to ensure that it is safe for you to go home. If you have any problems after going home you will be given a number to call for assistance.


