Interventional Radiology (IR) is a radiology branch that uses imaging methods, such as X-rays, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound, to perform minimally invasive procedures related to the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
IR procedures, unlike traditional surgeries, involve minor incisions and wires, catheters, and other instruments. The advantages of interventional radiology include less pain, fewer complications, and early recovery.
The applications of IR procedures are draining abscesses, diagnosing and opening blocked blood vessels, performing biopsies, and administering targeted therapies. It is important in managing various conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, tumors, and uterine fibroids.
IR procedures involve using various instruments, such as catheters and wires, that are navigated to the targeted organ under imaging guidance. The interventional radiologists make a minor cut in the skin to insert the instruments.
IR procedures are usually performed under sedation or local anesthesia. It is essential for the comfort and safety of patients. IR is used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, such as internal bleeding, certain tumors, and blocked arteries. IR aims to diagnose or treat medical conditions with minimal patient discomfort.
Following is the interventional radiology procedures list:
It is a specialized imaging technique to view the inside of blood vessels, such as veins and arteries. Interventional radiologists inject a contrast dye and obtain the images through X-rays. This procedure detects aneurysms, blockages, and other vascular conditions.
Interventional cardiologists perform angioplasty to open the blocked or narrowed blood vessels. Angioplasty involves inflating a balloon to expand the vessel and improve blood flow.
Embolization is a procedure for blocking
excessive or abnormal blood flow into the blood vessels.
Imaging
techniques guide the procedure, which involves delivering coils or
particles through a catheter, thereby stopping the blood flow. The
method is used in patients with uterine fibroids, GI bleeding, tumors,
or aneurysms.
Gastrostomy tube placement is recommended for patients requiring long-term nutritional support. Through imaging guidance, the tubes are inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall, and the procedure is done under local anesthesia.
Intravascular ultrasound is a technique that
involves visualization of blood vessels from inside with the help of a
catheter-attached ultrasound probe. The method provides real-time images
of the internal structure of the blood vessels.
Clinicians obtain
information related to vessel narrowing, plaque buildup, and the
accuracy of the stent placement.
Stent placement is a procedure that involves
inserting a stent into an artery to keep narrowed arteries open. It is
often done after an angioplasty.
A stent is a mesh-like tube that is
placed in the vessel through a catheter. The stent is then expanded to
support the vessel walls. Stent placement reduces the risk of heart
attacks and other complications.
The catheter insertion procedure involves
inserting a flexible tube into the body cavity or blood vessels to
diagnose and treat various diseases.
The catheter is inserted under
sedation or local anesthesia and generally requires imaging guidance.
It involves removing objects accidentally
lodged into the body.
Foreign body removal procedures may include removal of surgical
instruments, broken catheters, and swallowed objects. It is performed
under the guidance of ultrasound or fluoroscopy.
It is a procedure of performing biopsies
under imaging guidance.
Through biopsies, tissue samples are obtained for detailed examination
using imaging methods, such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound. It allows for the
accurate obtaining of samples from the targeted site.
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are procedures
for treating spinal fractures, usually caused by osteoporosis.
The procedure is done under imaging guidance. The interventional
radiologist inserts the needle into the fractured vertebra. The
radiologists then inject cement (vertebroplasty) or a balloon
(kyphoplasty) to stabilize the spine and minimize pain.
Nephrostomy placement is a procedure
performed by interventional radiologists that involves the insertion of
a catheter into the kidney to drain the urine.
The procedure is done when the normal urine flow is blocked, often
because of tumors or kidney stones. The catheter is accurately
positioned into the kidney under imaging guidance.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure
by interventional radiologists to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids.
The procedure involves inserting the catheter under imaging guidance
into the blood vessels supplying the fibroids under imaging guidance.
The tiny particles are then administered through the catheter to block
blood flow.
Some of the advantages of interventional radiology procedures include:
Interventional radiologists perform IR procedures under local anesthesia or mild sedation. They use real-time imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans, to guide the catheter or needle to the target area through a small incision.
During the procedure, the IR team monitors the patient, thereby ensuring the patient's safety and the procedure's precision. The catheter and intravenous line are removed after the procedure, and the patients are monitored after the procedure to detect any procedure-related complications.
HCG, a leading hospital for cancer treatment in India, provides comprehensive interventional radiology services, along with all major oncology services, at all centers across India. The IR team at HCG comprises interventional radiologists, domain experts, nurses, and paramedical staff. Experienced interventional radiologists perform procedures with state-of-the-art instruments.
Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions under the guidance of radiological imaging techniques, such as CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound scans, and X-rays. It helps manage conditions, such as blocked vessels, tumors, and uterine fibroids. The IR procedures involve minimal incision, faster recovery, and fewer complications and provide an alternative treatment option.