01.09 Interventional Radiology

So interventional radiology is where radiology imaging is used to view inside the body to diagnose and interpret so that the radiologist can intervene as needed. The radiologist is able to complete a minimally invasive procedure by manipulating wires or needles while viewing the picture. This can reduce the need for traditional surgery. Here is an image taken during a procedure where the physician was dilating the jugular vein with a balloon. Let’s look at the indications. 

Interventional radiology may be used in cases where the patient has blocked blood vessels, tumors, stone disease like kidney or gallstones, or for biopsies. Here’s a picture of a lung biopsy during a CT scan. Let’s talk about what to do before the procedure. 

So before the procedure, you will need to let the patient know what the procedure is and what to expect. Risks may be explained by you or the physician, and a consent will need to be signed by the patient. It is likely that the doctor will want them to avoid eating or drinking the day of the test. 

During the procedure, you may give a sedative to relax the patient. Vital signs will need to be taken to ensure that the patient is stable.