Most people do not know about the versatility of radiology and that it doesn’t only incorporate basic diagnostics. Radiology has different specialties, and one of those is interventional radiology. Starling Diagnostics would like to take a moment to educate you about what this branch of radiology entails.
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology uses imaging as a way to diagnose issues as well as to treat many of them. Doctors also use it to perform minimally invasive procedures using image-guided techniques.
The procedures in this specialty use the least invasive treatment methods as possible to reduce risks and to encourage more favorable outcomes. This form of radiology is beneficial because it increases precision and reduces the time of procedures.
Interventional Radiology Procedures
- Interventional radiology is able to be used on most areas of the body and for a variety of conditions. For example, interventional radiology can be used for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, central nervous, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary system issues. Below are some common radiology procedures.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is one example of interventional radiology. During this procedure, your doctor will sterilize an area of your groin or arm and make a small incision to feed a catheter – a long, flexible tube – to the impacted blood vessel. Your doctor will inject a contrast dye and use imaging technology to help guide the catheter. The practitioner will then pump a balloon up while it’s inside of the blood vessel. As the balloon inflates, it pushes plaque outward toward the arterial wall. Ultimately, this widens your artery to allow blood to flow better through it.
Varicose Vein Ablation
As part of a treatment for painful varicose veins, your doctor may recommend a varicose vein ablation that utilizes interventional radiology. With this particular treatment, your doctor uses radiofrequency energy to heat the vein and close it. Imaging guidance will be used for precision purposes.
Biliary Drainage
Biliary drainage consists of a doctor using a tube to open blocked ducts in your liver. Your doctor may apply stents into the blocked ducts to keep them open. The reason this classifies as an interventional radiology procedure is because your doctor will use imaging to guide the tube to open your liver ducts.
Ureteric Stenting
Ureteric stenting is a procedure that involves your doctor using imaging technology and a tube to apply a stent into your kidney. This allows urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder without obstruction. Your doctor can also drain your kidneys through interventional radiology in the event you have a kidney stone.
Biopsy
Your doctor can also conduct an image-guided biopsy. This helps the practitioner collect a sample of the tissue safely and precisely.
Radiologists in Bronx, NY, for Your Imaging Needs
At Starling Diagnostics, we offer diagnostic imaging services with compassion. If you need an MRI, CT scan, mammogram, ultrasound, X-ray, or another imaging service, we offer it all.
Discover what Starling Diagnostics, serving the Bronx and surrounding New York area, can do for you by calling us today at 718-319-1610. You may also request an appointment online.
