Interventional radiologists perform catheter-based, minimally invasive procedures guided by diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound. Image guidance lets specialists reach the affected area precisely without open surgery.
Interventional radiologists can restore blood flow to blocked arteries (angioplasty), place stents, remove blood clots, stop bleeding, remove tumours and take biopsies.
Conditions treated include peripheral arterial disease, cancers of the liver, kidney, lung, bone and breast, venous diseases such as deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins, fibroids and liver disease.
As an alternative to open surgery, these key-hole procedures carry a low risk of infection, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.