Interventional Radiology (IR) is a specialized branch of radiology that has significantly transformed the landscape of modern medicine. It utilizes medical imaging techniques—such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound—to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures. These procedures often involve the use of fine catheters and wires, accessed through a tiny pinhole. The goal of interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat various conditions in a less invasive manner, thereby reducing risks, minimizing scars, shortening recovery time, and ultimately improving the overall patient experience.

This field is rapidly expanding as a viable alternative to traditional surgical procedures. With advancements in imaging technology, interventional radiologists can now perform complex procedures with enhanced precision and efficacy.

Interventional radiology has revolutionized medical treatment by providing minimally invasive solutions for various conditions affecting different body systems. Common procedures include angioplasty and stent placement, embolization, ablation, biopsies, thrombolysis, and drainage.

Angioplasty and stent placement involve using a balloon to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels and inserting a stent to keep them open. This is particularly effective for treating coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and blockages in ducts like the bile duct or ureter. For instance, treating below-knee artery blockages in diabetic patients with gangrene can potentially save their limbs.

Embolization targets the blood supply to tumors or abnormal growths, making it useful for conditions such as uterine fibroids and liver cancer. It can also control severe bleeding in areas like the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, or lungs.

Ablation destroys abnormal tissue, such as tumors, using methods like radiofrequency, cryoablation, or chemical ablation, allowing for cancer treatment without open surgery. It is effective for small kidney or lung tumors and liver metastases.

Image-guided biopsies offer precision in extracting tissue samples from hard-to-reach areas, crucial for accurate diagnosis. Thrombolysis, which dissolves blood clots, is essential in treating deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Additionally, interventional radiologists perform percutaneous drainage to manage abscesses or fluid collections, improving patient outcomes with less invasive methods.

The rise of IR is largely due to its numerous advantages over traditional surgery. One of the most significant benefits is that IR procedures are minimally invasive, which means they are performed through small incisions. This results in reduced scarring and a shorter recovery time for patients, allowing them to return to their normal activities much sooner. Additionally, these procedures carry a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery, making them a safer alternative for many patients. The use of advanced imaging technology in IR allows for highly precise and effective treatments, which can be applied to a wide range of medical conditions, further broadening the scope and utility of this specialty.

Despite its many benefits, interventional radiology is often misunderstood, with several common myths persisting about its role and effectiveness. One such myth is that IR is merely a technical or imaging exercise. In reality, IR has evolved into a fully patient-focused clinical specialty recognized worldwide. Interventional radiologists are now integral to advanced medical services like transplant, oncology, and trauma management, and patients can consult with them just as they would with any other surgical specialist. Another myth is that IR procedures are less effective than traditional surgery. This is not true; many IR procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization, often provide better outcomes with less recovery time and fewer complications. IR has virtually replaced traditional surgery in treating conditions like varicose veins and varicoceles due to its efficacy.

There is also a misconception that interventional radiology is only suitable for high-risk patients. While it is true that IR offers a valuable alternative for those who may not be candidates for traditional surgery, its benefits are not limited to this group. Even healthy individuals often choose IR because of its minimally invasive nature and lower risk profile. Finally, some believe that recovery from IR procedures is just as long as recovery from surgery. However, this is another myth. Due to the minimally invasive nature of IR procedures, patients generally experience a much quicker recovery. Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day, which underscores the efficiency and patient-centric approach of interventional radiology.

World-class super-specialty hospitals like Narayana Health have embraced the advanced field of interventional radiology (IR), recognizing its immense potential in delivering minimally invasive treatments with high precision and effectiveness. The interventional radiology at facilities also features dedicated ultrasound systems for precise access, guidance, ablation, biopsies, and injections, along with specialized CT equipment for guided minimally invasive procedures. A state-of-the-art theatre allows for combined guided procedures, and vascular screening and assessment labs enhance diagnostic capabilities. Advanced equipment such as cryoablation, microwave ablation, RF pain management tools, intravascular ultrasound, laser therapies, and thrombectomy devices like AngioJet and Penumbra Lightning further bolster the treatment options available at advanced centers. A case in point is Narayana Health and its Units in West Bengal and Karnataka.

Interventional Therapy Clinics offer specialized, often multidisciplinary care, demonstrating the broad applicability of interventional radiology across various medical conditions. The Fibroid Clinic, for example, focuses on the non-surgical control of fibroids, while the Prostate Clinic manages urinary symptoms without the need for surgery. The Pain Clinic provides minimally invasive pain management solutions, and the Ablation Clinic employs temperature-based techniques to treat both benign and malignant tumors. The Endocrine Clinic offers daycare procedures for managing benign thyroid nodules or conducting diagnostic venous sampling. The Vascular & Vein Clinic specializes in the management of arterial and venous diseases, and the Interventional Oncology Clinic provides minimally invasive cancer treatments. Additionally, the Biopsy Clinic ensures precise biopsy of any lesion, regardless of its location in the body.

By integrating these advanced interventional radiology techniques, top healthcare providers in the country enhance patient care through less invasive, more precise, and highly effective treatment options, demonstrating their leadership in adopting cutting-edge medical technologies.

About the author- Dr. Shuvro H Roy Choudhury, Director & Clinical Lead – Interventional & Endovascular Radiology, Narayana Hospital, RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur