Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing medical specialty. Procedures performed by interventional radiologists are generally less invasive than alternative treatment options, which usually means shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and, in some cases lower costs.

What is interventional radiology?

Interventional radiology is a surgery-sparing branch of medicine. Interventional radiologists (IRs) use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters (tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter) through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin). These procedures are typically much less invasive and much less costly than traditional surgery.

Who are interventional radiologists?

Interventional radiologists are medical doctors who have specialized in doing medical procedures that involve radiology. Radiologists use imaging equipment such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose disease. IRs first train to be radiologists and then undergo additional training to take the use of this technology a step beyond diagnosis using imaging guidance as they treat disease.

What are the advantages of interventional radiology?

Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay.

  • General anesthesia usually is not required.
  • Risk, pain and recovery time are often significantly reduced.
  • The procedures are sometimes less expensive than surgery or other alternatives.

Where is interventional radiology headed in the future?

As technology advances and high-quality imaging equipment becomes more widely available, interventional radiology is able to offer patients and referral physicians a host of new treatment options.

Common interventional procedures that use radiology:


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