subject: Interventional Radiology and its Advancements [print this page] Interventional radiologists are involved in the treatment of the patient, as well as the diagnosis of disease. They treat an ever-widening range of conditions inside the body from outside the body by inserting various small instruments or tools, such as catheters or wires, with the use of various x-ray and imaging techniques (i.e., CT scanners, MRI scanners, ultrasound scanners). Interventional radiology offers an alternative to the surgical treatment of many conditions and can eliminate the need for hospitalization, in some cases.
Interventional radiologists perform minimally invasive procedures using image guidance. Some of these procedures are done for purely diagnostic purposes, while others are done for treatment purposes. Images are used to direct these procedures, which are usually done with needles or other tiny instruments like small tubes called catheters. The images provide road maps that allow interventional radiologists to guide these instruments through the body to the areas of interest.
The interventional radiologist is a medical doctor who has completed four years of study in radiology. The interventional radiologist is then eligible to take the board examination given by the American Board of Radiology. Today, there are about 4,000 interventional radiologists in the US, mainly practicing in academic medical centers and in larger community hospitals. Interventional radiologists work closely with other physicians and play an important role on the treatment team.
Speaking about the advantages Of Interventional Radiology Procedures, the risks of interventional radiology procedures are less than the risks of open surgery. Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require a shortened hospital stay. General anesthesia is usually not required and the risks, pain and recovery time of treatments performed through interventional radiology are significantly reduced. Procedures can be less expensive than surgery.
The highest standard of patient safety has been incorporated into the development of these procedures/treatments. The FDA, hospitals, state regulatory groups, and other medical specialties that are involved in the practice of interventional procedures use our published standards, which include training, experience, technique, and patient care.
