Question 1

What does interventional and endovascular radiology treat?

Accepted Answer

Interventional and endovascular radiology uses image-guided, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions without open surgery, including blocked or narrowed blood vessels, liver tumours, uterine fibroids, varicose veins, and blood clots. Procedures are performed using imaging technology like X-ray, ultrasound or CT to guide thin catheters or needles precisely to the treatment area, typically through a small incision, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Question 2

What is angioplasty and stenting, and when is it recommended?

Accepted Answer

Angioplasty is a procedure where a small balloon is used to open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel from the inside, often followed by placement of a stent, a small mesh tube that holds the vessel open. It's commonly used for blockages in the leg arteries (peripheral artery disease), and can also treat narrowing in other vessels throughout the body. It's typically recommended when blockages cause significant symptoms or risk to blood flow, and when the anatomy is suitable for a catheter-based rather than surgical approach.

Question 3

How is uterine fibroid embolization performed and who is it suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure where an interventional radiologist threads a catheter to the arteries supplying a fibroid and injects small particles to block its blood supply, causing the fibroid to shrink over time. It's a suitable alternative to surgery for many women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to avoid hysterectomy or myomectomy, though it may not be recommended for women planning future pregnancy, since its effect on fertility isn't as well established as surgical options. Your gynaecologist and interventional radiologist will jointly assess whether it's right for you.

Question 4

What are the benefits of minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures?

Accepted Answer

Interventional radiology procedures typically involve smaller incisions than traditional surgery, often just a needle puncture, resulting in less pain, lower infection risk, and faster recovery times, with many procedures performed as day-care cases or with only a short hospital stay. Because these procedures use continuous imaging guidance, they also allow for highly precise, targeted treatment. For many conditions, this means patients can return to normal activities significantly sooner than they would after equivalent open surgery.

Question 5

What follow-up care is needed after an interventional radiology procedure?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up depends on the specific procedure, but generally includes monitoring the puncture site for bleeding or infection, some activity restrictions for a short period, such as avoiding heavy lifting for a few days, and a follow-up appointment or imaging scan to confirm the treatment was successful. Most patients can resume light activities within a day or two. Your interventional radiologist will give you specific aftercare instructions and a schedule for any needed follow-up imaging based on your particular procedure.

Interventional & Endovascular Radiology