Interventional procedures are highly specialized examinations in modern medicine that involves minimal invasion either for diagnostic purposes or for treatment purposes. An imaging specialist is required for these procedures. The procedures are used in place of open surgery. They require the guidance of imaging equipment such as the ultrasound and X-ray; it is also known as image-guided surgery.
Interventional procedures are conducted using needles and catheters (narrow tubes). The images provide the specialist with the necessary knowledge of where to lead the instruments in the body. With the minimized intrusion, physical trauma is also reduced, increasing the chances for the patient to heal faster and lower the risk of infections.
Patients with joint ailments are treated using joint injections to provide relief from the pain and inflammations. Interventional radiology is guided by X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound depending on the ailment being treated. The removal of tissues is performed when there is a need for further analysis at the laboratory.
Main interventional procedures
There has been a lot of development in the intervention procedures over time; some of the common procedures include:
Biopsy
This procedure involves the removal of samples from the region of interest for examination in the laboratory. This often comes after a physical examination, and there is a need for confirmation of the examination’s results. It is used mainly as a diagnostic test for cancers, such as lung and breast cancers, instead of conducting a surgical biopsy.
Angiography
This involves the examination of arteries and veins to detect blockages or any other abnormalities.
Balloon angioplasty
This procedure involves insertion of small balloons in the blood vessels then inflaming it to unblock arteries in the patients’ arms, legs, kidneys, brain, or any other body part.
Embolization
This procedure involves direct delivery of clotting agents to block blood flow to a particular area or mainly an area with a problem.
Fallopian tube catheterization
This is a procedure used to treat infertility by opening blocked fallopian tubes without traditional surgery.
Chemoembolization
This procedure involves the direct delivery of cancer-fighting agents to the cancerous cells. This has been used mainly to treat endocrine cancers such as liver cancer and melanoma.
Gastronomy tube feeding
This is used for patients who are unable to consume enough food orally. A feeding tube is inserted in the stomach to allow feeding.
Radiofrequency
This procedure makes use of radiofrequency energy to kill cancerous cells.
Stent
This is a flexible tube made of plastic used for the treatment of various conditions. It is used to open blood vessels or other pathways in the body that have been narrowed or blocked.
Uterine artery embolization
This procedure is conducted on uterine arteries to stop postpartum bleeding and, consequently, to prevent a hysterectomy. When the same process is used to treat uterine fibroids, it is referred to as uterine fibroid embolization.
Vertebroplasty
This procedure is performed on the vertebral column to treat fractures and lesions to provide quick relief and also prevent more damage to the spinal cord.
Varicose vein treatment
It is a procedure designed to treat enlarged veins in the legs – varicose veins–, which is a medical complication as well as a cosmetic issue.
Intervention radiology or image-guided surgery has various advantages over traditional surgery, visit the Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Private Healthcare for world-class treatment and care. They are equipped with modern techniques and qualified interventional radiologists to ensure that you get the very best treatment.
