
Interventional radiology has been described as the surgery of the new millennium. It is a medical sub-specialty of radiology utilizing minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. The concept behind interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques currently available in order to minimize risk to the patient and improve health outcomes. These procedures have less risk, less pain and less recovery time in comparison to open surgery.
Angioplasty
An angioplasty, otherwise known as a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
(PTA) is a nonsurgical procedure used to open blocked arteries caused
by peripheral artery disease (PAD). An angioplasty is performed to restore
arterial blood flow to the tissue without the need for open surgery. During
an angioplasty, a special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into
the artery to be treated, and a balloon at its tip is inflated to displace
the obstructing tissue. A stent may be implanted to prop artery open.
Aortic and Arterial Endovascular Repair
Aneurysms or dissections of the aorta or arteries can be repaired without open surgery.
Renal Hypertension
If high blood pressure is caused by blockage of blood flow to the kidneys, interventional radiologists can perform angioplasty and, if needed, stenting, to improve blood flow.