What is interventional radiology?
Interventional radiology (IR), also known as image-guided therapy or minimally invasive therapy, is a rapidly evolving medical speciality that utilizes advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions inside the body. Interventional radiologists, who are highly trained physicians with expertise in both radiology and minimally invasive procedures, perform these procedures with the aid of real-time imaging guidance, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI
Interventional Radiology procedures are often used as an alternative to open surgery
One of the key principles of interventional radiology is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional surgery, which often involves large incisions and extensive tissue disruption, interventional radiology procedures are performed through small incisions or natural body openings, resulting in less trauma, reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and lower risk of complications for patients.
Common procedures performed in interventional radiology
Angiography through Interventional Radiology
Angiography is one of the most common procedures performed in interventional radiology. It involves the use of contrast dye and X-ray imaging to visualize blood vessels throughout the body. Angiography is used to diagnose and treat a variety of vascular conditions, including blockages, aneurysms, and abnormal blood vessel formations. During the procedure, interventional radiologists can perform additional interventions such as angioplasty (opening narrowed or blocked blood vessels using a balloon) and stenting (placing a metal mesh tube called a stent to keep the vessel open).
Embolization and interventional radiology
Embolization is another important interventional radiology technique used to treat a variety of conditions, including tumors, vascular malformations, and uterine fibroids. In embolization, tiny particles or coils are injected into blood vessels to block blood flow to a specific area, effectively cutting off the blood supply and causing the targeted tissue to shrink or die.
Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment through interventional radiology
Interventional radiology also plays a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Image-guided biopsies, such as needle biopsies or core biopsies, allow interventional radiologists to obtain tissue samples from suspicious lesions for pathological analysis, aiding in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. In addition, interventional radiology techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (using heat energy to destroy tumors) and cryoablation (using cold energy to freeze and kill tumors) can be used to treat certain types of cancer, particularly in cases where surgery is not feasible or has a high risk.
Drainage procedures through interventional radiology
Drainage procedures are another common application of interventional radiology. Catheters or tubes are inserted into the body under imaging guidance to drain fluid collections, such as abscesses, cysts, or fluid around the lungs or abdomen. These procedures can provide rapid relief of symptoms and prevent complications associated with fluid accumulation
Disclaimer
This is general information about the disease and treatment options, please consult a specialist doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment which may vary based on each patient.
Interventional Radiology at Royalcare
At Royal Care Hospital, our Interventional Radiology division boasts state-of-the-art imaging technology to ensure precise and effective treatment.
Our team of skilled interventional radiologists offers a wide range of key procedures across different areas of medical intervention. In neurovascular interventions, we excel in acute stroke interventions like thrombectomy, treatment of intracranial aneurysms, carotid-cavernous fistula treatment, and embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Additionally, Royal care hospitals specialize in peripheral vascular interventions including angioplasty, stenting, embolization for various conditions, and treatments for acute limb ischemia and acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
In non-vascular interventions, our expertise covers procedures such as biliary drainage and stenting, nephrostomy, radiofrequency and microwave ablation for liver tumors, and image-guided biopsies and drainage procedures. With our multidisciplinary team and advanced technology, we are committed to providing patients with the highest standard of care in interventional radiology at Royal Care Hospital
