Interventional Radiology

What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology, a sub-speciality of diagnostic radiology uses minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. By combining imaging techniques with specialized medical devices, interventional radiologists are able to perform procedures with precision, often reducing the need for traditional open surgery.

Imaging techniques such as x-ray, CT Scan, MRI and ultrasound help to diagnose and treat patients using minimally invasive procedures.

Compared to traditional open surgery, interventional radiology procedures offer numerous advantages. They are minimally invasive, utilizing smaller incisions and causing less tissue disruption, which translates to reduced pain, minimal scarring, and faster recovery times. Furthermore, these procedures are associated with a lower risk of complications such as infection and bleeding. Patients often experience shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to their normal activities. Finally, the image guidance used in interventional radiology allows for precise delivery of therapy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and improving overall treatment accuracy.

Interventional radiologists perform a diverse array of minimally invasive procedures, including:

• Angiography
  This diagnostic procedure involves injecting contrast dye into blood vessels to visualize their structure and identify any abnormalities, such as blockages or aneurysms.
• Angioplasty and Stenting
  These therapeutic procedures are used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Angioplasty involves inflating a balloon within the vessel to widen it, while stenting involves placing a small mesh tube to keep the vessel open.
• Embolization
  This technique involves blocking blood flow to a specific area, such as a tumor or bleeding vessel, by injecting embolic agents through a catheter.
• Biopsy
  Interventional radiologists can obtain tissue samples from various organs using image-guided needles, aiding in the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases.
• Drainage
  Abscesses or fluid collections can be drained percutaneously (through the skin) using image guidance.
• Tumor Ablation
  This technique involves destroying tumors using heat (radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation) or cold (cryoablation) delivered through needles or probes.

Our dedicated teams of experienced multidisciplinary specialists and healthcare professionals work together to provide treatment plans tailored to the needs of our patients on their recovery journey.

Speak to our Specialists today.