Interventional radiology

Interventional Radiology refers to the specialised medical practice of minimally invasive image-guided surgery. A typical Interventional Radiology procedure will involve passing small instruments such as needles, wires and catheters under imaging guidance into the target area of the body to deliver precise treatment. As the pioneers of angiography and angioplasty since the 1960s, Interventional Radiologists (IRs) have brought countless new minimally invasive procedures to patients and the medical community, many of which are now the mainstay of treatment for a range of conditions.

Commonly performed procedures include:

• Angioplasty
• Stenting
• Embolisation & Sclerotherapy
• Ablation (Radiofrequency Ablation, Microwave Ablation, Ethanol Ablation)
• Central venous access (e.g., Port)

Interventional Radiologists (IRs) undergo comprehensive specialist training over a minimum period of 8 years following graduation from medical school focussing on the advanced imaging and minimally invasive operative techniques required for practice.

Interventional radiology is the medical specialty that focusses on minimally invasive surgical procedures. Utilising imaging guidance such as x-ray fluoroscopy, and CT, treatments are typically performed through small "pinhole" incisions. Compared to traditional surgical operations, interventional radiology procedures generally have:

• Shorter recovery periods and return-to-work times
• Smaller incisions and less scarring
• Lower complication rates

Modern Interventional Radiology (IR) practice incorporates pre-procedural counselling, admission, and post-operative care for all patients being considered for IR treatments. Upon referral by a General Practitioner (GP) or other specialist, all patients are consulted about their condition and opinion provided. If an IR treatment is most appropriate, this will be arranged including the admission, operation, and follow-up care. If an IR treatment is not the most suitable for that individualised patient and condition, this will be communicated to the referrer and referral will be facilitated to a different practitioner where appropriate. 

Common conditions where Interventional Radiology (IR) treatments may be most suitable are:

• Thyroid Nodules & Cysts
• Uterine Fibroids & Adenomyosis
• Female Pelvic Venous Congestion (Pelvic Congestion Syndrome)
• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
• Varicocele
• Lung, Liver and Kidney Tumours
• Renal (Kidney) Angiomyolipoma (AML)
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Aortic Aneurysm
• Visceral Artery Aneurysm
• Vascular Anomalies including Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
• Varicose Veins