expert type icon EXPERT

Karen Garby, M.D.

Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Karen Garby is an interventional radiologist practicing in Mesa, AZ. Dr. Garby specializes in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. Interventional radiologists use X-Rays, MRIs and other advanced imaging to put catheters in the body in order to treat the source of the disease internally. Many conditions that once required surgery can now have less risk, less pain and fewer invasions when treated by an interventional radiologist.
32 years Experience
Karen Garby, M.D.
  • Tempe, Az
  • Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
  • Accepting new patients

Is general anesthesia used for vein ablation?

No. Some patients choose to only have local anesthesia. Depending on the facility, often they offer Valium and you need to have a driver.

Can you get rid of uterine fibroids without surgery?

There is a minimally invasive procedure through a microincision in the groin to treat fibroids called uterine fibroid embolization. This is done as an outpatient. This is less READ MORE
There is a minimally invasive procedure through a microincision in the groin to treat fibroids called uterine fibroid embolization. This is done as an outpatient. This is less invasive than a hysterectomy or myomectomy which are done in the operating room with general anesthesia.

Is pelvic vein embolization painful?

You like to have a tiny bee sting of numbing medicine in your right neck. After that, you shouldn’t feel anything except maybe a flush of warmth from the dye used to map veins. READ MORE
You like to have a tiny bee sting of numbing medicine in your right neck. After that, you shouldn’t feel anything except maybe a flush of warmth from the dye used to map veins. Pain after depends on what is embolized but generally very easy recovery.



Karen Garby, MD, DABVLM, RPhS

How long does it take for fibroids to shrink after embolization?

Most shrinkage within first 4 months but can keep shrinking up to 2 years

Left Tibia?

Could be fracture. But if it still hurts there, ask for MRI

MRI?

This is really the best next test. I recommend you do the test!

Can liver cancer be treated by an interventional radiologist?

Sometimes interventional radiologist can inject chemo/radiation therapy through the arteries to help delay or stop spread and significantly prolong long life

Can you eat before a CT scan with dye?

Not recommended because dye makes some nauseous and sometimes you need sedation for CT scan.

Can a CT scan show lung problems?

Yes, depends on the lung problem

Is prostatic artery embolization safe?

Yes. Great alternative sometimes to traditional surgery

Is an MRI with contrast safe for kids?

Usually very safe if kidney function is normal

Why should I consider interventional radiology?

Well, it depends on the type of tumor. Ask for a consult the the interventional radiologist.

Karen Garby


How successful is varicocele embolization?

There is a 90% success rate with embolization, and of those with success, about 10% may experience late recurrence. These results are the same as those achieved with more invasive READ MORE
There is a 90% success rate with embolization, and of those with success, about 10% may experience late recurrence. These results are the same as those achieved with more invasive surgical techniques. Varicocele embolization has been performed for over 25 years and has an excellent long-term safety record.

Is interventional radiology useful in treating heart disorders?

Thpiothis is a pediatric interventional cardiologist

Can a CT scan detect thyroid problems?

Best evaluated by ultrasound