You must understand the process when your doctor
requests for you to undergo a type of interventional radiology procedure. There
are different processes involved, but these procedures include imaging of the
parts inside your body. So before you seek interventional radiology
Australia, here’s what you need to know.
What
Is Interventional Radiology?
It is a medical specialization where a range of imaging
procedures is done to get images of the internal parts of your body. The
interventional radiologists are the one who interprets the images to diagnose a
specific injury or disease. Then the radiologist will also perform
interventional medical procedures depending on the diagnosis.
Interventional
Radiology Procedure
The interventional radiologist is using imaging
techniques like MRIs, X-rays, scans, CT scans, ultrasounds, and more. This
range of procedures is done in taking organ biopsies, placing stents, or
treatments of the tumour. The images from the methods are used to guide the
instruments or catheters precisely to the area where the treatment or the
procedure will be performed. With interventional radiology procedures, it
reduces the need for open or laparoscopic surgeries.
Most
Common Interventional Radiology Procedures
Even though there are plenty of interventional radiology
procedures, here are the most common ones that you should take note of. One of
them might be the procedure that your doctor requested:
●
Angiography. An X-ray examination shows the
arteries and the veins. It is essential to diagnose if there are blockages or
other blood problems.
●
Balloon Angioplasty. This procedure is done by
opening any blockages or narrowing blood vessels.
●
Billary Draining / Stenting. This procedure is done to open
any blocked ducts to allow the bile to drain from the liver.
●
Hemodialysis Access Maintenance.
It is done to open any blocked
grafts for hemodialysis.
●
Thrombolysis. This procedure can help dissolve
any blood clot.
●
Uterine Artery Embolization. This embolization procedure
stops any life-threatening postpartum bleeding and also prevent hysterectomy.
It is also the same procedure done for patients needing treatment for fibroid
tumours.
● Varicose Vein Treatment. For patients with enlarged veins in the legs, this
procedure can help reduce cosmetic problems and medical complications.
Essential
Reasons Why Interventional Radiology Is Done
There are so many advantages why interventional
radiology is done. Most of these are done as an outpatient. That means that you
do not need to stay in the hospital for days. Even though general anaesthesia
is not required, pain and risks are reduced. Since these are done on an
outpatient basis, the procedures are expected to be less expensive compared to
other surgery alternatives.
So what’s the future like for Interventional Radiology?
Since technology is continuously advancing, more and more high-tech imaging
equipment is more available. Interventional radiology gives referral physicians
and patients with new treatment options.
