Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology is a specialty that utilizes minimally invasive, image-guided techniques such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound to diagnose and treat diseases, often avoiding open surgery.
Using small pin-hole incisions, consultant interventional radiologists perform procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and embolization. Benefits include reduced risk, faster recovery, and outpatient care.
Key Aspects of Interventional Radiology
- Minimally Invasive: Known as “surgery without a knife,” interventional radiology uses small needles, tubes, and wires to access disease sites internally, often using only local anaesthetic.
- Image Guidance: Radiologists use real-time imaging such as fluoroscopy, CT, or ultrasound to guide instruments precisely.
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Common Procedures:
- Angiography / Angioplasty: Imaging and opening blocked arteries or veins, sometimes with stent placement.
- Embolization: Blocking blood flow to tumours or bleeding vessels.
- Ablation: Destroying cancer cells using heat or cold techniques.
- Biopsy: A procedure that removes a small sample of tissue or cells for microscopic examination to diagnose conditions such as cancer, infections, or inflammation.
- Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC): A quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure using a thin needle to collect cell samples from lumps or organs for microscopic examination.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A minimally invasive biopsy procedure using a thin hollow needle to collect cells or fluid from suspicious lumps, nodules, or cysts.