Interventional radiology is a medical subspecialty that performs the diagnosis and treatment of diseases using medical imaging techniques.
Interventional radiologists are medical professionals specialized in diagnosing and treating internal body problems using minimally invasive approaches. Experts in this field typically use imaging techniques such as X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Ultrasonography to determine the location of the disease to be treated.
Common Applications of Interventional Radiology Include:
Angiography: An interventional radiology procedure used to examine and treat blood vessels. It is especially important in the treatment of vessel blockages and aneurysms.
Biopsy: The process of taking tissue samples for the accurate diagnosis of tumors or other abnormalities.
Catheter Placement: Used especially in intravenous drug administrations, drainage procedures, or stent placements.
Radiofrequency Ablation: A procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy cancer cells or reduce painful tumors.
Embolization: A method used to stop the abnormal growth of blood vessels or cut off the blood supply to tumors.
Interventional MRI: Interventional procedures performed under the guidance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Interventional Radiology helps manage many diseases and conditions that can be treated with minimally invasive methods that do not require surgery. Therefore, it allows medical procedures to be performed with less invasiveness, faster recovery times, and fewer complications. Interventional radiologists successfully use these techniques to improve patients' quality of life and combat diseases.