Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating various diseases. IR can offer many benefits for patients, such as less pain, lower risk, shorter recovery time, and improved outcomes compared to traditional surgery. In this blog, we will explore the common types, examples, and advantages of interventional radiology.

Types of interventional radiology

Interventional radiology can be classified into two broad categories: diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic IR procedures are those that help make a diagnosis or plan further treatment, such as biopsies, angiograms, or injections of contrast agents. Therapeutic IR procedures are those that provide direct treatment, such as angioplasty, stenting, embolization, ablation, or catheterization.

Some of the imaging techniques that interventional radiologists use to guide their procedures include:

X-ray fluoroscopy: This technique uses continuous X-rays to create real-time images of the inside of the body. It is often used for vascular procedures, such as angioplasty or stenting.

Computed tomography (CT): This technique uses X-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the body. It can provide detailed information about the anatomy and pathology of various organs and tissues. It is often used for biopsies, ablations, or drainages.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This technique uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create high-resolution images of the body. It can show soft tissue structures and blood flow. It is often used for interventions involving the brain, spine, liver, or kidneys.

Ultrasound: This technique uses sound waves to create images of the body. It can show the size, shape, and movement of organs and blood vessels. It is often used for biopsies, drainages, or vascular access.

Examples of interventional radiology procedures

Interventional radiology can be used to treat a wide range of conditions in almost every organ system. Some examples of IR procedures are:

Angioplasty and stenting: These procedures involve inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into a narrowed or blocked blood vessel and inflating it to restore blood flow. A metal mesh tube called a stent may also be placed to keep the vessel open.

Embolization: This procedure involves injecting a substance through a catheter into a blood vessel to stop bleeding or cut off blood supply to a tumour or an abnormality.

Ablation: This procedure involves using heat, cold, or electric currents to destroy abnormal tissue or tumours. Examples include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation, or microwave ablation.

Biopsy: This procedure involves using a needle or a device to obtain a tissue sample from an organ or a mass for diagnosis or genetic testing.

Catheterization: This procedure involves inserting a tube into a body cavity or a vessel to deliver fluids, medications, nutrition, or devices. Examples include central venous catheters (CVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes), nephrostomy tubes, or intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs).

Benefits of interventional radiology

Interventional radiology offers many advantages over conventional surgery for patients with various conditions. Some key benefits include:

a. Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions reduce trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays.

b. Reduced Risk: Lower risk of complications, infections, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia.

c. Faster Recovery: Patients often experience less pain and can resume regular activities sooner.

d. Outpatient Procedures: Many interventional radiology procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, reducing the burden on hospitals and saving costs.

e. Precision and Accuracy: Real-time imaging enables interventional radiologists to precisely target affected areas, increasing the success of treatment.

Interventional radiology is an innovative and rapidly evolving field that offers many benefits for patients with various diseases. By using imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive procedures, interventional radiologists can diagnose and treat conditions in a safer, faster, and more effective way than traditional surgery.