OHSU’s Dotter Department of Interventional Radiology is a national leader in minimally invasive, image-guided therapies. Our highly trained team continues the work of Dr. Charles Dotter, recognized as the father of interventional radiology. You will find: 

Interventional radiology uses real-time medical imaging, like X-ray, CT, ultrasound and MRI, to diagnose and treat diseases without surgery.  

How it works: 

• Live images guide doctors to make small incisions and perform minimally invasive procedures
• These treatments are often safer, less painful and have a faster recovery time
• Our doctors use these therapies to treat a variety of conditions

We have deep expertise using interventional radiology. You can expect: 

• Safe, minimally invasive procedures tailored to your needs
• Support both in our clinics and at home
• Partnership with your primary care provider and other specialists 

Our experts work with multidisciplinary teams to treat conditions throughout the body, including:

• Aortic disease
• Biliary and gallbladder disorders
• Brain aneurysms
• Cancer
• Carotid artery disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Digestive conditions
• Head and neck tumors
• High blood pressure
• Pediatric cerebrovascular disorders
• Spine conditions
• Stroke
• Thyroid nodules
• Urinary obstruction
• Vascular conditions 

We work with other programs to provide image-guided treatment for patients with cancer, vascular and thyroid conditions. These less-invasive therapies expand your care options.  

• Neuro-Oncology and Blood-Brain Barrier Program: We work with neurologists and neuro-oncologists to use minimally invasive treatments for brain tumors and neurological disorders. 

• Hemangioma and Vascular Birthmarks Clinic: Dermatologists, surgeons, hematologists and interventional radiologists treat vascular lesions and birthmarks. 

• Thyroid and Parathyroid Center: Our interventional radiologists work closely with surgeons and endocrinologists to treat benign thyroid nodules that make it hard to swallow or breathe. We offer radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to destroy tissue, to remove these nodules without surgery.  

We’re always exploring new possibilities in interventional radiology. Our research includes dozens of studies each year to improve patient care. 

• We study the benefits of image-guided, minimally invasive procedures compared to open surgery. 
• We research new treatments for cancer, heart disease, thrombosis and more.
• We are part of a team bringing advanced image-guided care to community hospitals. 
• We lead clinical trials to discover new ways to treat conditions using live imaging.
• We create new devices and techniques that improve patient outcomes.