Interventional radiology (IR) is the minimally invasive, image-guided treatment of complex medical conditions without surgery. IR delivers precise, targeted treatment to complex and sometimes life-threatening diseases and conditions. Interventional radiology (IR) is one of the biggest advances in medical practice, offering treatments with less risk, less pain, shorter recovery times, and hospital stay. IR is particularly relevant for patients who are in frail health and unfit for surgery.
Interventional Radiology is all about the ability to gain access into a human body with a small cut on the skin and run through the network of arteries or veins of a person to provide localized treatment at the site of the disease condition.
Since the late 1970s, it has been the Interventional Radiologists who have pioneered innovations such as Angioplasty and Catheter delivered Stenting, which has contributed magnanimously towards better patient care that is evident and widely practiced today.
The most significant medical development of modern times has been the development of Minimally Invasive Procedures which has revolutionized medical treatment options. Today many disease conditions which used to require surgery are being treated non-surgically by Interventional Radiologists using the latest minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures.
From the perspective of a patient and their relatives, the minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures are nothing less than a boon. It has a significantly lower amount of risk, less pain (as large incisions are not required), shorter recovery phase, and minimal hospital stay compared to conventional surgical procedures. Most of the procedures do not require having general anesthesia.