What is Interventional Radiology?

Summary

Interventional radiology (IR) is a rapidly growing field that uses minimally invasive techniques to treat various conditions, including cancer, without the need for traditional surgery. Procedures are guided by live imaging, reducing pain, complications, and recovery time. At UChicago Medicine, IR specialists use advanced techniques to treat conditions such as tumors, enlarged prostates, and uterine fibroids. With benefits for patients of all ages, especially those in poor health or with prior surgeries, UChicago's IR program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the nation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interventional radiology (IR) is a growing field that uses minimally invasive techniques instead of traditional surgery to treat various conditions, including cancer.
• 😀 IR involves less pain, reduced complications, and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgery.
• 😀 Most IR procedures are outpatient with little to no recovery time, making it a more convenient option for patients.
• 😀 Doctors perform IR procedures by inserting small instruments like needles, wires, or catheters into an artery or vein through a tiny hole, usually just a few millimeters wide.
• 😀 Live medical imaging such as x-rays and ultrasounds guide the instruments inside the body to ensure precision during procedures.
• 😀 At UChicago Medicine, IR can be used to treat cancer by delivering radiation, chemotherapy, or heat directly to tumors in organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
• 😀 IR can treat enlarged prostate symptoms by injecting microspheres to cut off blood flow and shrink the prostate.
• 😀 Uterine fibroids can be treated with IR by halting blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and avoiding the need for a hysterectomy.
• 😀 An IR procedure called endoAVF connects an artery to a vein, improving veins for kidney dialysis without the need for an incision.
• 😀 IR is suitable for patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and is an excellent option for those in poor health or with a history of numerous surgeries.
• 😀 UChicago Medicine has one of the most comprehensive interventional radiology programs in the nation, with highly renowned doctors in the field.

Q & A

What is interventional radiology?

Interventional radiology (IR) is a rapidly growing medical field that uses minimally invasive techniques to treat various conditions, such as cancer, without the need for traditional surgery.

How does interventional radiology differ from traditional surgery?

IR involves less pain, reduced risk of complications, and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional surgery. Many IR procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with little to no recovery time.

What instruments are used in interventional radiology procedures?

Interventional radiologists use small instruments like needles, wires, or catheters, which are inserted into an artery or vein through a small hole in the skin, typically no larger than a few millimeters.

How are interventional radiology procedures guided?

These procedures are guided by live medical imaging, such as x-rays or ultrasounds, which help doctors navigate the instruments inside the body.

What types of conditions can be treated with interventional radiology?

IR can treat a wide range of conditions, including cancer (by delivering radiation or chemotherapy to tumors), prostate enlargement, uterine fibroids, and improving dialysis access for kidney patients.

What is one example of how IR is used to treat cancer?

IR can deliver targeted radiation or chemotherapy directly to cancerous tumors in the liver, kidneys, or lungs, minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

How does IR help with prostate problems?

IR can treat an enlarged prostate by injecting tiny microspheres into the prostate artery to block blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink and alleviating symptoms.

How does interventional radiology treat uterine fibroids?

In cases of uterine fibroids, IR blocks the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviating symptoms like bleeding or pain, without the need for a hysterectomy.

What is endoAVF and how does it help kidney dialysis patients?

EndoAVF is an IR procedure that connects an artery to a vein to create stronger, wider veins for dialysis. It’s performed using specialized catheters, some of which include magnets, eliminating the need for an incision in the arm.

Who can benefit from interventional radiology?

IR is suitable for patients of all ages, including children and seniors, and is particularly beneficial for those who are in poor health, have undergone multiple surgeries, or are too frail for traditional surgery.