Frequently Asked Questions

What is Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA)?

Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA) is a group of interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Our office is located next to Mary Washington Hospital.

VIVA is one of only four outpatient interventional radiology facilities in all of Virginia. We can perform same-day procedures in our office, without requiring a hospital stay.

All of our doctors are experienced and board-certified in their specialty. They are supported by caring staff who are committed to the comfort and well being of our patients.

What are Interventional Radiologists (IRs)?

Interventional radiologists are doctors who use their skills in reading medical images to guide treatments exactly where they are needed, inside the body.

IRs invented the use of angioplasty and stents to open blocked arteries. But they also specialize in many other treatments.

IRs specialize in "minimally invasive, targeted treatments." This means that their procedures can often be performed without open surgery.

How do they treat medical conditions?

The doctor makes a small nick in the skin. He uses X-rays, ultrasound, and other medical images to help guide tiny instruments into the body. This is how IRs target treatments exactly where they are needed.

IRs also implant catheters in patients who need pathways for receiving nutrients and medications while being treated for cancer, kidney disease, and other illnesses. This eliminates the need for repeated needle injections.

What are the most common procedures?

IRs are trained and board-certified to perform important procedures for patients with peripheral vascular disease, compression fractures from
osteoporosis, cancer uterine fibroids, varicose veins, kidney disease/failure and many other diseases

Will I be awake?

Yes. Most patients only need a sedative to help them relax, and a local anesthetic to numb the site of the procedure. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible before, during and after the procedure.

It is important to talk to our staff before the day of your procedure to find out what you will need to do to prepare.

Will I go home the same day?

Most patients go home the same day of their procedure. Some procedures require an overnight hospital stay.

If your procedure requires sedation, make sure a friend or relative comes with you, can drive you home, and is prepared to help you afterward.

Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions after you go home, and return for any follow-up appointments.

Where can I find more information?

VIVA Doctors
Procedures & Services
Address & Directions
Patient Forms
Our phone number: (540) 654-9118
Office Hours: 8 am to 5 pm Monday -- Friday


For general info about interventional radiology,
we recommend the Society for Interventional Radiology