The best part is that the use of interventional radiology isn’t limited only to certain treatments - anything from cancerous growths to arthritis can be treated using this type of procedure because they all involve vascular access points. This innovative procedure completely eliminates the need for hysterectomy surgery. This reduces risks associated with large incisions for patients, making it much less disruptive and time-consuming when trying to address medical concerns.įor example, uterine fibroids (which may affect up to 80% of women) can now be treated with embolization therapy, which involves shrinking them by cutting off their blood supply. Interventional radiologists can then treat disease, damaged vessels, or tumors directly at the source rather than having to perform major surgery. “It may sound futuristic, but that’s exactly how some of the most innovative and effective treatments in medicine are happening today.” - Society of Interventional Radiology ( SIR) Using this method ensures that our doctors have an incredibly precise understanding of where they want these tools to go (and how best to get there) before beginning treatment. Then, they map out how to get there without needing surgery - usually by guiding tiny wires or tubes (like catheters) through different parts of the vascular network. Q: “How do interventional radiology procedures work?”Ī: In the simplest terms, interventional radiologists use imaging equipment (like X-rays or ultrasound) to see inside of a patient’s body and pinpoint where the problem is located. Every year, these innovations nurture growing success rates over traditional methods.įor this reason, interventional radiology is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after medical specialties in the world. Over the decades, interventional radiology has continually grown and adapted to the changing landscape of healthcare by integrating emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence) into its practice model. This became especially apparent with the development of angioplasty and the first catheter-delivered stent used to treat blocked arteries in the legs, which now saves patients every day from major surgery or amputation. And it’s because of these advances that interventional radiologists are now often viewed as the founders of modern medicine. In fact, it has been around since the mid-1970s and was created as a result of advances in diagnostic imaging. Q: “Is interventional radiology a new specialty?”Ī: No, interventional radiology is not new. This synergistic approach ensures that your health needs are addressed with the highest level of expertise and consideration. When entrusting your care to an interventional radiologist, you can be assured that they work collaboratively with your primary care physician or other specialists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible. This specialized training is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Notably, interventional radiologists undergo extensive training and hold board-certified status, having completed fellowship programs that focus on the mastery of minimally invasive interventions aided by imaging guidance. Instead of making large incisions, interventional radiologists, guided by real-time imaging, use small incisions or needle punctures to access the body's internal structures. The distinguishing characteristic of interventional radiology is its emphasis on using imaging guidance to perform procedures without the need for traditional open surgery. These procedures are guided by advanced imaging technologies such as X-rays, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans. Q: “What exactly is interventional radiology?”Ī: Interventional radiology (IR) is a specialized medical field that focuses on using minimally invasive procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions. This blog post serves as a valuable tool to prepare you for your interventional radiology journey by answering some of the internet’s most frequently asked questions so that you know what to expect. One way we achieve this is by offering complimentary resources to assist you in preparing for your visit. At VIP, we recognize the often overwhelming nature of healthcare and are committed to breaking down the associated stigmas.
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