What is Interventional Radiology?

In interventional radiology (also known as IR), interventional radiologists use advanced imaging modalities to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures that diagnose, treat, and cure many kinds of diseases. Imaging modalities used include fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT.  At Asian Hospital Faridabad, interventional radiologists work in the department of the vascular and interventional radiology departments. Interventional radiologists make small pinhole size incisions, usually in your groins, abdomen, and chest and use needles, catheters and wires to treat the disease of your body. Imaging modalities are used to guide their catheters and wires through your blood vessels, arteries, and organs.

Why do we need Interventional Radiology ?

In the recent era, this specialty branch i.e IR has evolved and it is now the minimally invasive surgical technique to treat diseases. It reduces recovery time, pain, and risk to patients who would otherwise require traditional open surgery. It offers precise treatment to the patients. Because of this, IR has become one of the primary ways to treat many types of diseases like liver and biliary tumors, abdominal bleed, etc.

Many times it is more effective than traditional open surgeries.

Examples of Interventional Radiology.

  • Radiofrequency / Microwave ablationused to kill liver tumors.
  • Embolisation block blood flows to cancer cells or bleeding abdominal vessel in case of trauma.
  • Angioplasty – repair , opening or unblocking of blood vessels using balloons.
  • Stenting – small mesh tubes that treat partially blocked, narrow arteries
  • Thrombolysis dissolving blood clots e.g DVT.
  • Biopsies / FNAC – study of cells, tissues.
  • Drainages- Any pus, collection or fluid
  • Varicose vein ablation – Laser or RFA.
  • Difficult central venous line insertion – Permacath
  • Tunnelled pleural or ascites catheter – Long term intermittent drainage
Content Reviewed by – Asian Hospital Medical Editors