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Dr. Bishwajit Bhowmik

UNDERSTANDING INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

What is interventional radiology?

Precise, image-guided treatment through small access points.

UNDERSTANDING IR

Treatment guided by live imaging

Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses imaging to guide diagnosis and treatment inside the body. Instead of relying on a large surgical opening, an interventional radiologist can guide fine instruments through a small skin opening or blood vessel to a specific target.

Live X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or other imaging helps the specialist see the instruments and adjust their position during the procedure. The approach is selected for the condition and the person’s individual health needs.

In simple terms: imaging shows the way in, while a thin catheter or needle delivers treatment precisely where it is needed.

HOW IT WORKS

A planned procedure, guided step by step

The exact plan depends on the condition being treated. Your specialist explains the proposed procedure, expected benefits, possible risks, and alternatives before you decide how to proceed.

STEP 1

Assessment & planning

Your symptoms, medical history, examination, and imaging are reviewed to decide whether an image-guided approach may be suitable.

STEP 2

A small access point

The skin is cleaned and numbed. A fine needle or catheter is introduced through a small opening, often in the skin or a blood vessel.

STEP 3

Image-guided treatment

X-ray, ultrasound, or CT helps guide the instrument to the target, where the planned treatment or diagnostic sample is performed.

STEP 4

Recovery & follow-up

The access site is cared for and your team explains recovery instructions. Follow-up is planned around the procedure and your needs.

WHAT IR CAN DO

Treatments are tailored to the target

Interventional radiology includes a range of procedures. Examples offered or assessed by the clinic include:

EMBOLISATION

Block or reduce blood flow

A catheter can deliver small particles or other materials to selected blood vessels. Embolisation may be considered for conditions such as uterine fibroids, enlarged prostate, varicocele, or selected tumours.

RESTORE OR RELIEVE

Improve flow or drainage

Angioplasty and stenting can help open selected narrowed vessels. Image-guided drainage may relieve a fluid collection or obstruction when clinically appropriate.

DIAGNOSE OR TARGET

Sample or treat a precise area

Image-guided biopsy can obtain tissue for diagnosis. Some tumours may be considered for targeted ablation or radioembolisation as part of a specialist treatment plan.

POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES

Why patients and doctors consider IR

For some conditions, an image-guided procedure may provide an option alongside surgery or medicines. The right choice depends on the diagnosis, evidence, overall health, and personal preferences.

SMALL ACCESS

A smaller skin opening

Many procedures use a small access point rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. The size and location depend on the procedure.

ANAESTHESIA OPTIONS

Care planned for the procedure

Some procedures can be performed with local anaesthesia or sedation. General anaesthesia may be appropriate for others.

RECOVERY

A stay suited to the treatment

Some procedures are day treatments; others need observation or a hospital stay. Your care team will explain what to expect.

PERSONALISED OPTIONS

A considered treatment plan

Your specialist discusses expected benefits, risks, alternatives, and whether the procedure fits your individual circumstances.

YOUR CONSULTATION

Is interventional radiology right for you?

Not every condition or patient is suited to an image-guided procedure. Your interventional radiologist will review your diagnosis, imaging, medical history, medicines, and goals before recommending options.

Bring your referral, relevant reports and imaging, a current medicine list, and details of allergies or other health conditions. You can ask about likely recovery, follow-up, alternatives, and costs during your consultation.

Every treatment has possible risks. Your clinician will explain the benefits and limitations relevant to your case so you can make an informed decision.

APPOINTMENTS

Ready to discuss your options?

Call Green Life Interventional Radiology Center to arrange an appointment or ask a general question.