Interventional radiology is a medical sub-specialty of radiology which utilizes minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases throughout the body. The focus of interventional radiology is to care for patients using the least invasive techniques available in order to minimize patient complications and discomfort while improving health outcomes.
Interventional radiologists pioneered many techniques in modern minimally invasive medicine – including balloon angioplasty and the use of catheter delivered vascular stents. Using X-rays, CT, ultrasound and MRI, interventional radiologists obtain images, which enable them to direct therapeutic instruments throughout the body. These procedures are usually performed using needles and/or narrow tubes called catheters. In many instances, interventional radiology techniques eliminate the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
Catheter Angiography | This minimally invasive medical test uses a catheter, x-ray imaging guidance and an injection of contrast material to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body for abnormalities and diseases. The use of a catheter makes it possible to combine diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. It produces very detailed, clear and accurate pictures of the blood vessels and may eliminate the need for surgery.
Catheter Embolization | This is a minimally invasive treatment that places medications or synthetic materials called embolic agents through a catheter into a blood vessel to block blood flow to an area of the body. It is a highly effective way to control bleeding and is much less invasive than open surgery.
Catheter-directed Thrombolysis | This is a minimally invasive, clot busting treatment that uses x-ray imaging and a catheter to guide special medication to the site of a blood clot to dissolve the blockage and help improve blood flow and prevent damage to tissues and organs.
CTA | CT angiography (CTA) uses a CT scanner to produce detailed images of both blood vessels and tissues in various parts of the body. An iodine-rich contrast material (dye) is usually injected through a small catheter placed in a vein of the arm. A CT scan is then performed while the contrast flows through the blood vessels to the various organs of the body.
Chemoembolization/Radioembolization (Y-90) | This non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure places chemotherapy or radiation and embolic agents (agents that block blood flow) into a blood vessel feeding a cancerous tumor to cut off the tumor’s blood supply and trap the chemotherapy or radiation within.
Epidural injection | This procedure provides temporary or prolonged relief from pain or inflammation by injecting steroids, anesthetics or anti-inflammatory medications into the space around the spinal cord.
Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty | Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures for the treatment painful vertebral compression fractures in the spinal column, which are a common result of osteoporosis. Your doctor may use imaging guidance to inject a cement mixture into the fractured bone (vertebroplasty) or insert a balloon into the fractured bone to create a space and then fill it with cement (kyphoplasty).
MRA | Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency waves and a computer to produce detailed images of the major arteries within the body, evaluate blood vessels and help identify any abnormalities. It does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays) and can be performed with or without contrast material.
Needle Biopsy – lung nodule | Needle biopsy of the lung uses imaging guidance to help locate a nodule or abnormality and remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. A biopsy may be necessary when imaging tests cannot confirm that a nodule is benign, or a nodule cannot be reached by bronchoscopy or other methods.
Nerve Block | A never block is an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injection targeted toward a certain nerve or group of nerves to treat pain. The purpose of the injection is to “turn off” a pain signal coming from a specific location in the body or to decrease inflammation in that area.
Tumor Ablation | This minimally invasive treatment uses imaging guidance to place a needle through the skin into a tumor typically in the lung, liver, kidney or bone. Depending on method using microwave (heat), radiofrequency (heat) or cyrotherapy (cold) to destroy the cancer cells.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) | TIPS is a procedure that uses imaging guidance to connect the portal vein to the hepatic vein in the liver.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization | Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroid tumors of the uterus which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel. It uses a form of real-time x-ray called fluoroscopy to guide the delivery of embolic agents to the uterus and fibroids. These agents block the arteries that provide blood to the fibroids and cause them to shrink. This is often an effective alternative to surgery.
Vascular Access | During this procedure a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel to allow blood to be drawn from or medication to be delivered to a patient’s bloodstream over an extended period. Vascular access spares patients the stress of repeated needle sticks and provides a painless way to draw blood or deliver medication.
Varicose Vein Treatment (Endogenous Ablation) | This non-surgical safe procedure uses heat or laser to close the varicose veins in the leg. It may be done cosmetically or for those with venous insufficiency resulting in swelling, ulceration, or inflammation.
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