Interventional Radiology is an area of radiology that specializes in performing minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Many of these procedures have become the treatment of choice in many cases because they offer lower risk, less pain, and shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical techniques.
An Interventional radiologist uses imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, fluoroscopy, CT and ultrasounds. They can perform a broad range of procedures such as treating tumors, taking organ biopsies or placing stents into the body via an artery or vein. The images are used to guide the catheters and instruments to the exact area where the procedure or treatment is to be performed. This reduces the need for traditional or laparoscopic surgery as treatment.
Procedures can include:
- Angiography. This is an X-ray of the arteries and veins to find blockage or narrowing of the vessels, as well as other problems.
- Angioplasty. The doctor puts a small balloon-tipped catheter into a blood vessel. Then he or she inflates the balloon to open up an area of blockage inside the vessel.
- Embolization. The doctor puts a substance through a catheter into a blood vessel to stop blood flow through that vessel. This can be done to control bleeding.
- Gastrostomy tubes. The doctor puts a feeding tube into the stomach if you can’t take food by mouth.
- Intravascular ultrasound. The doctor uses ultrasound to see inside a blood vessel to find problems.
- Stent placement. The doctor places a stent inside a blood vessel at the site of a blockage. He or she expands the stent to open up the blockage.
- Needle biopsy. The doctor puts a small needle into almost any part of the body, guided by imaging techniques, to take a tissue biopsy. This type of biopsy can give a diagnosis without surgery. An example of this procedure is called the needle breast biopsy.
- IVC filters. The doctor puts a small filter into the inferior vena cava (IVC). This is a large vein in your abdomen. The filter catches blood clots that may go into your lungs
- Injection of clot-dissolving medicines. The doctor injects clot-dissolving medicines such as tissue plasminogen activator. This medicine dissolves blood clots and increases blood flow to your arms, legs, or organs in your body.
- Catheter insertions. The doctor puts a catheter into a large vein to give chemotherapy medicines, nutrition, or hemodialysis. He or she may also put in a catheter before a bone-marrow transplant.
- Cancer treatment. The doctor gives the cancer medicine directly to the tumor site.