January 8, 2024
If you're like most people, you've probably never heard of an Interventional Radiologist.
But you have heard of a Radiologist, so you probably think they are the same, right?
Interventional Radiology is a branch of radiology that uses a range of techniques relying on precise medical imaging (X-ray fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) to deliver targeted treatment.
While you haven't heard of them, Interventional Radiologists are commonly called to emergency surgery to help prevent blood loss from traumatic injuries.
In recent years, interventional radiology is becoming more popular as a treatment option because of the long list of benefits it offers when compared with more traditional surgery.
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional Radiology is a branch of radiology where specialists use their skills in imaging along with the excellent technical ability to perform minimally invasive treatments. Their background in radiology and expertise in reading scans means they are experts in using x-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI in real-time to safely guide treatment.
Interventional Radiology is a central specialty in the delivery of modern medical care. Many people may have been treated by Interventional Radiologists without having met one – IRs are commonly involved in the treatment of people with life-threatening bleeding either after trauma, surgery, or labour.
Interventional Radiology has pioneered the treatment of disease in this manner across the body, for example in coronary stent procedures, leg arterial disease, and stroke treatment. In this manner, new cutting-edge treatments offered by IR include treatment of obesity and osteoarthritis (currently under investigation in clinical trials).
What are the Benefits of Interventional Radiology?
Many people choose to have an Interventional Radiologist treat their condition because of the large list of benefits that Interventional Radiology offers over more traditional options such as surgery.
Highly Effective and Targeted Treatment
Because an Interventional Radiologist can combine medical imaging technology with the procedure they are able to ensure treatment is delivered directly to the target area.
The use of imaging dramatically improves the accuracy of the diagnosis and increases the effectiveness of the procedure.
Reduced Risks
When compared with traditional surgical treatment options, interventional radiology can mitigate the risks to the patient. These include less chance of major blood loss and a lower risk of infection. Since the procedure is done using precise imaging technology, the likelihood that surrounding body parts are damaged is reduced.
Suitable for More Patients
Not all patients can have surgery that involves a general anesthetic. Underlying health conditions and diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure can increase the risk of complications from general anesthetic.
Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drug use or heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of complications.
However, most interventional radiology treatments only use local anesthetic (since they only require a very small ‘nick’ to allow access) they become suitable for patients who cannot have surgery.
Reduced Pain
Interventional radiology procedures are performed through a small incision, usually in the wrist or groin (depending on the procedure) and don’t require stitches, staples or large bandages. Since a local anesthetic is used before the incision is made, any pain experienced after the procedure is usually very mild.
Faster Recovery
Since interventional radiology treatments are minimally invasive, you’ll be back on your feet and living your regular life much faster than if you had major surgery.
Interventional radiology offers what we like to refer to as ‘improved lifestyle outcomes’ - all the benefits of major surgery without all the downsides. This means less pain, faster recovery and the ability to heal at home.
No Scarring
A small incision means no scarring. Simple.
No Hospital Stay
Most procedures done by an Interventional Radiologist are done as outpatient procedures. This means no overnight stay (in most cases) in the hospital. At Northern Beaches Interventional Radiology we prefer to book patients in for morning treatment so they can go home in the afternoon.
Lower Costs
As interventional radiology treatments are performed as outpatient, your hospital costs are usually reduced compared to surgery.
We also offer ‘no gap’ payment for many treatments, meaning your private health insurance will cover the cost with minimal or no out of pocket expenses for you.
