Interventional Radiology” (IR) refers to a range of techniques that rely on the use of radiological image guidance (X-ray fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography [CT], or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) to precisely target therapy.
Most IR treatments are minimally invasive alternatives to open and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. As many IR procedures start with passing a needle through the skin to the target it is sometimes called pinhole surgery!
Interventional radiology (IR) is a way to diagnose and treat cancer and other conditions without major surgery. With IR, your doctor looks inside your body with imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Then they use small tools, like needles and tubes, to do a procedure or give treatment right where you need it.
What is?
With only tiny incisions, interventional radiology allows patients to receive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with far less pain than traditional surgery. This also means you won’t need stitches or large bandages as you heal.
