You must understand the process when your doctor requests for you to undergo a type of interventional radiology procedure. There are different processes involved, but these procedures include imaging of the parts inside your body. So before you seek interventional radiology Australia, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Interventional Radiology?
It is a medical specialization where a range of imaging procedures is done to get images of the internal parts of your body. The interventional radiologists are the one who interprets the images to diagnose a specific injury or disease. Then the radiologist will also perform interventional medical procedures depending on the diagnosis.
Interventional Radiology Procedure
The interventional radiologist is using imaging techniques like MRIs, X-rays, scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, and more. This range of procedures is done in taking organ biopsies, placing stents, or treatments of the tumour. The images from the methods are used to guide the instruments or catheters precisely to the area where the treatment or the procedure will be performed. With interventional radiology procedures, it reduces the need for open or laparoscopic surgeries.
Most Common Interventional Radiology Procedures
Even though there are plenty of interventional radiology procedures, here are the most common ones that you should take note of. One of them might be the procedure that your doctor requested:
● Angiography. An X-ray examination shows the arteries and the veins. It is essential to diagnose if there are blockages or other blood problems.
● Balloon Angioplasty. This procedure is done by opening any blockages or narrowing blood vessels.
● Billary Draining / Stenting. This procedure is done to open any blocked ducts to allow the bile to drain from the liver.
● Hemodialysis Access Maintenance. It is done to open any blocked grafts for hemodialysis.
● Thrombolysis. This procedure can help dissolve any blood clot.
● Uterine Artery Embolization. This embolization procedure stops any life-threatening postpartum bleeding and also prevent hysterectomy. It is also the same procedure done for patients needing treatment for fibroid tumours.
● Varicose Vein Treatment. For patients with enlarged veins in the legs, this procedure can help reduce cosmetic problems and medical complications.
Essential Reasons Why Interventional Radiology Is Done
There are so many advantages why interventional radiology is done. Most of these are done as an outpatient. That means that you do not need to stay in the hospital for days. Even though general anaesthesia is not required, pain and risks are reduced. Since these are done on an outpatient basis, the procedures are expected to be less expensive compared to other surgery alternatives.
So what’s the future like for Interventional Radiology? Since technology is continuously advancing, more and more high-tech imaging equipment is more available. Interventional radiology gives referral physicians and patients with new treatment options.
