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Interventional
Radiology
21st Century Medicine
Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing area of
medicine. Interventional radiologists are physicians who
specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments
performed using imaging guidance. Interventional radiology
procedures are an advance in medicine that often replace
open surgical procedures. They are generally easier for
the patient because they involve no large incisions, less
risk, less pain and shorter recovery times. |
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What
is interventional radiology?
Interventional radiologists (IRs) use their expertise
in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images
to guide small instruments such as catheters (tubes that
measure just a few millimeters in diameter) through the
blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously
(through the skin). These procedures are typically much
less invasive and much less costly than traditional surgery.
Who are interventional radiologists?
Interventional radiologists are medical doctors who have
specialized in doing medical procedures that involve radiology.
Radiologists use imaging equipment such as X-rays, magnetic
resonance (MR) imaging, ultrasound and computed tomography
(CT) to diagnose disease. IRs are board certified radiologists
that are fellowship trained in percutaneous interventions
using guided imaging. Their specialized training is certified
by the America Board of Medical Specialties.
How did interventional radiology develop?
The improved ability of radiologists to see inside the
body gave rise to interventional radiology — minimally
invasive targeted treatments performed using imaging for
guidance — in the mid-1970's. Interventional radiologists
invented angioplasty and the first catheter-delivered
stent, what was first used in the legs, to save patients
with vascular disease from amputation or other surgery.
These advances pioneered modern medicine and gave rise
to the state-of-the-art treatments that are common place
today. Interventional radiology is a medical specialty
recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties
and the American Medical Association.
Today there are more than 5,000 interventional radiologists
in the United States. The Society of Interventional Radiology
(SIR), the professional association of interventional
radiologists based in Fairfax, VA, has seen its membership
steadily increase to more than 4,000 worldwide in 2004.
What are the advantages of interventional radiology?
• Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient
basis
or require only a short hospital stay.
• General anesthesia usually is not required.
• Risk, pain and recovery time are often significantly
reduced.
• The procedures are sometimes less expensive than
surgery or other alternatives.
Where is interventional radiology headed in the
future?
As technology advances and high-quality imaging equipment
becomes more widely available, interventional radiology
is able to offer patients and referral physicians a host
of new treatment options
Painful collapsed vertebrae in the spine due to osteoporosis
can now be effectively and safely treated by a minimally
invasive procedure using balloons and administration of
bone cement called Kyphoplasty.
Angiography is an X-ray exam of the arteries and veins
to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems.
Our Practice has a special emphasis on Diagnostic Imaging
evaluation of injured athletes. |
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