Interventional Radiology
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiologists use imaging, like X-rays or MRIs, to see inside a patient's body, pinpoint where the problem is and map out how to get there without surgery. Interventional radiologists then guide catheters through the vascular system, other pathways in the body, or through the skin, to treat disease or tumors directly at the source, via a small nick in the skin and X-ray guidance.
What are the advantages of interventional radiology procedures?
While no treatment is risk free, the risks of interventional radiology procedures are far lower than the risks of open surgery, and are a major advance in medicine for patients.
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Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay
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General anesthesia is usually not required
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Risk, pain and recovery time are often significantly reduced
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Procedures can be less expensive than surgery or other alternatives
What do interventional radiologists treat?
By combining their expertise in diagnostic radiology with their advanced training in nonsurgical techniques using imaging guidance, interventional radiologists can treat a variety of ailments throughout the body by delivering treatment directly to the source of the problem. Some procedures done with interventional radiologists include: