Patient Information
Tests and Treatments: Interventional Tests: Interventional Radiology: Introduction
Interventional Radiology (IR) is a modern, procedure oriented, radiological specialty in which a trained interventional radiologist performs minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, using small tubes (catheters) and needles introduced through small holes in the skin (percutaneous approach) using x-ray guidance to direct the instruments precisely.
The procedures performed are various, and since they are less invasive than conventional surgery, they may be the best option for making the diagnosis or treatment of many diseases and conditions. Thus, interventional procedures are very helpful for the management of high risk patients that cannot withstand conventional surgery or do not wish to have surgery done. Very often interventional radiology procedures are used to treat complications of major surgeries and other difficult situations eliminating or reducing the need for an operation.
The interventional radiology procedures are usually complex and despite the great benefits offered, they may result in rare but unfortunate complications. It is important that you understand clearly what interventional radiology procedures are about, the potential benefits and risks to enable you to make informed choices.
Types of Interventional Radiology Procedures
Regarding the digestive system, the IR procedure may be vascular or non-vascular. This refers to the route the interventional radiologist uses (i.e. through the blood vessels, or directly into the target organ).
For even more information on interventional radiology (that is not related to the digestive system), you can visit the MUSC Vascular and Interventional Radiology website.