About IR
Interventional Radiology (IR):
Revolutionising Diagnosis and Treatment
When you need a medical procedure, the thought of surgery can be daunting. What if there was another way? Interventional Radiology (IR) offers a modern, minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. Using advanced imaging as a guide, doctors can treat complex conditions through a tiny pinhole in the skin—often allowing you to go home the same day with less pain, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery.
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional Radiology (IR) is a modern alternative to open surgery. Think of our doctors as internal guides. They use live X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI images as a GPS to navigate tiny instruments through your body via a small pinhole in the skin.This means we can diagnose and treat complex conditions without large incisions, leading to less pain and a faster recovery for you.
What Can IR Treat?
The list of conditions treated by Interventional Radiology is long and always growing! Using minimally invasive techniques, IR can be used to diagnose and treat problems in almost any part of the body, including:
Blockages in arteries or veins
Restoring blood flow to the legs, arms, and vital organs without major surgery.
Back pain
Offering pain relief through targeted injections and nerve blocks for conditions like spinal fractures.
Cancers and tumors
Targeting and destroying tumors in the liver, kidneys, lungs, and bones through ablation or cutting off their blood supply.
Kidney and liver problems
Draining infections, taking biopsies, and opening blocked ducts to restore organ function.
Uterine fibroids
Providing a non-surgical treatment option to relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
Bleeding
Quickly locating and blocking bleeding vessels after an accident, surgery, or childbirth.
Aneurysms
Repairing weakened blood vessels to prevent the risk of rupture, all through a small groin access.
Common IR Procedures
Angioplasty/Stenting: Opens blocked blood vessels to improve flow.
Embolization: Blocks blood flow to a problem area, like a tumor or a bleeding vessel.
Thrombolysis: Gently dissolves a dangerous blood clot.
IV Access: Places a port for patients who need long-term medicine (like chemotherapy).
Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed to diagnose disease.
Ablation: Uses heat (microwave/radiofrequency) to destroy tumors.
Drainage: Places a small tube to drain an infection or fluid collection.
Stenting: Holds open narrowed tubes in the body, like bile ducts.
What are the Benefits of IR Procedures?
- Less Pain: Compared to open surgery.
- Minimal Scarring: Just a tiny mark, often no larger than a freckle.
- Faster Recovery: Get back to your life and work sooner.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Most procedures are outpatient (you go home the same day).
- Lower Risk: Reduced risk of infection and complications compared to surgery.
- Local Anesthesia: Often awake with sedation, avoiding the risks of general anesthesia.
What to Expect During an Interventional Radiology Procedure
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Here’s a general guide to your Interventional Radiology (IR) journey:
First, you’ll have a conversation with your IR doctor. This is your time to talk about your diagnosis, ask any questions, and share your concerns. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
You will be made comfortable on a procedure table.
To see exactly where to go, the doctor will use live images (like an ultrasound or X-ray) as a guide—like a GPS for your body.
Anesthesia: You will be awake but relaxed. We numb the area with local anesthesia so you don’t feel pain. Many patients also receive mild sedation to help them stay comfortable and calm. You usually will not need general anesthesia (where you're put to sleep).
The doctor will make a tiny incision (about the size of a pencil tip).
Through this small opening, they will gently guide a thin tube (catheter) or needle to the precise spot that needs treatment.
The tools are removed, and all you’ll need is a small bandage—no big stitches.
You’ll rest in a recovery area for a few hours so our team can monitor you.
Most patients go home the same day to continue recovering in their own comfort.
Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to care for yourself at home and when it’s safe to return to your normal activities, like work or exercise.
Remember: Your care is unique to you. Your doctor will tailor every step to ensure your safety and comfort.
What are the Risks of IR Procedures?
All medical procedures have some risk. Your IR doctor will discuss the specific risks of your procedure with you, which may include minor bleeding or infection.
Radiation
Some procedures use low-dose X-rays for guidance. Our team is trained to use the absolute lowest amount possible to keep you safe.
A Note on Ultrasound
Many IR procedures use ultrasound, which has no known harmful effects.