What is Interventional Radiology ?
As the field of medicine advances, specialties such as interventional radiology have become more prominent. Interventional radiology is an integral part of the minimally invasive trend, which allows for treatments and operations that require very small incisions. This type of treatment helps prevent complications and allows for faster healing.
Identification
Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that combines diagnosis of diseases with some treatments. Radiology is the study and use of imaging technology, such as X-rays, magnetic fields, and radiation; interventional radiology uses these techniques to treat certain conditions. Interventional radiology is commonly used as an alternative to surgery, especially for treatments that center on blood vessels.
History
The concept of interventional radiology began in 1953 with the use of the Seldinger technique, which was the precursor to catheterization. This allowed for the placement of thin wires into blood vessels and other areas in the body. Dr. Charles Dotter, who invented angioplasty, is considered to be the father of interventional radiology.
Interventional Radiology: Imaging
One aspect of interventional radiology is the use of radiological imaging techniques to help with diagnosis and visualization of medical problems. For example, angiography is a commonly used technique that uses special dyes and X-rays to provide a picture of blood vessels. A similar technique is intravascular ultrasound, which uses high frequency sound waves to visualize blood vessels. Both techniques are used to detect blockages and other blood vessel abnormalities. Needle biopsies are used to get tissue samples from deep within the body.
Interventional Radiology: Treatments
Interventional radiology also can be used to treat certain conditions, especially those that affect blood vessels. Angioplasty involves using a balloon that is attached to a catheter to open up a blocked blood vessel from the inside. Similarly, small spring coils, called stents, can be used to open up a blocked blood vessel. The opposite of these techniques is called embolization, in which a substance is introduced into a blood vessel, using a catheter, to block it and prevent internal bleeding. Interventional radiology also can be used to inject chemotherapy drugs directly into a tumor. Back to top
Identification
Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that combines diagnosis of diseases with some treatments. Radiology is the study and use of imaging technology, such as X-rays, magnetic fields, and radiation; interventional radiology uses these techniques to treat certain conditions. Interventional radiology is commonly used as an alternative to surgery, especially for treatments that center on blood vessels.
History
The concept of interventional radiology began in 1953 with the use of the Seldinger technique, which was the precursor to catheterization. This allowed for the placement of thin wires into blood vessels and other areas in the body. Dr. Charles Dotter, who invented angioplasty, is considered to be the father of interventional radiology.
Interventional Radiology: Imaging
One aspect of interventional radiology is the use of radiological imaging techniques to help with diagnosis and visualization of medical problems. For example, angiography is a commonly used technique that uses special dyes and X-rays to provide a picture of blood vessels. A similar technique is intravascular ultrasound, which uses high frequency sound waves to visualize blood vessels. Both techniques are used to detect blockages and other blood vessel abnormalities. Needle biopsies are used to get tissue samples from deep within the body.
Interventional Radiology: Treatments
Interventional radiology also can be used to treat certain conditions, especially those that affect blood vessels. Angioplasty involves using a balloon that is attached to a catheter to open up a blocked blood vessel from the inside. Similarly, small spring coils, called stents, can be used to open up a blocked blood vessel. The opposite of these techniques is called embolization, in which a substance is introduced into a blood vessel, using a catheter, to block it and prevent internal bleeding. Interventional radiology also can be used to inject chemotherapy drugs directly into a tumor. Back to top