Interventional Radiology is a branch of radiology where specialists use their skills in imaging along with the excellent technical ability to perform minimally invasive treatments. Their background in radiology and expertise in reading scans means they are expert in using x-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI in real-time to safely guide treatment.

Interventional Radiology doctors are highly trained medical specialists who have undergone general medical training, radiology training and sub-specialty training in the field of minimally invasive therapy.

Interventional Radiology is a central specialty in the delivery of modern medical care. Many people may have been treated by Interventional Radiologists without having met one – IRs are commonly involved in the treatment of people with life-threatening bleeding either after trauma, surgery or labour.

Their wide knowledge of and their frequent interaction with other medical specialties means they have a solid understanding of the range of treatment options, often being able to suggest cutting edge treatment options when patients have been told none exists.

IR specialists offer treatments in a special surgical theatre with high-end imaging x-ray equipment. The vast majority of treatments are performed under sedation (twilight) and local anaesthetic. Tiny specially designed tubes and wires are used inside blood vessels to deliver a range of treatments. Access is often through a pinhole incision with no scar. This allows IRs to treat conditions without large scars and associated complications. IRs can also offer treatment to patients who are unable to have more invasive surgical treatments due to other medical conditions or blood-thinner medication.

Interventional Radiology has pioneered the treatment of disease in this manner across the body, for example in coronary stent procedures, leg arterial disease, and stroke treatment. New cutting-edge treatments offered by IR in this manner include treatment of obesity and osteoarthritis (currently under investigation in clinical trials).

As a medical specialist, treatments cannot be performed before you have been seen in rooms for a consultation. For further information on how NBIR can help you please see the disease and treatment sections or get in touch.