Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology

Interventional radiology is a specialized branch of radiology that deals in procedures that are minimally invasive. These  radiology procedures are performed using the image guidance technology. Interventional radiology is abbreviated as IR and also it is sometimes called VIR i.e. Vascular Interventional radiology. The Interventional radiology procedures are done for a variety of purposes. Sometimes these procedures are done for pure diagnostic purposes and sometimes these procedures are followed for treatment purposes. An example of this type of radiology procedure being used for treatment purpose is in Angioplasty. In order to undergo the Interventional radiology procedures, image guidance is used. This is usually performed with the help of needles and other very tiny instruments. These instruments may include needles and even small tubes such as catheters.

The images used in the Interventional radiology procedures are used as road maps. These images are made use of by the Interventional radiologist in order to direct their tools and instruments through the passage in the body. It is only through the images, that the instruments used in IR technology are placed at the desired point in the human body to diagnose or treat that specific human body part.

Interventional radiologist is basically a physician. These professionals usually have a preliminary training of around one year which is also called internship. This internship is followed by a 4 year residence programme. This residence programme is in the field of diagnostic radiology. This 4 year programme is followed by another one or two year fellowship programme. This fellowship programme is in the field of VIR or Vascular Interventional radiology.

Among the common radiology procedures, Angiography is the foremost and most common of all the procedures. In this procedure, imaging of the blood vessels is performed. This procedure is done to look for abnormalities in the blood vessels. This is done with the use of various different types of contrast media which also include iodinated contrast ad carbon Dioxide gas. Another common procedure is the Balloon angioplasty or stent. Under this type of radiology procedure, the blocked blood vessel is opened using a balloon. This also sometimes includes use of metallic stent and also self expanding balloon. Another common Interventional radiology procedure is the biopsy. Under this procedure, a tissue sample from the area of interest is taken by using the IR technique. Here again, tiny instruments are directed to the intended area of the body through imaging technique.