Image guided procedures in radiology use imaging technologies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to help doctors perform minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies and injections. The imaging allows doctors to be more precise, which often means less pain and faster recovery for the patient.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Fibroid embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat noncancerous uterine fibroids, aimed at reducing symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. A radiologist threads a catheter to the uterine arteries and injects small particles to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviate symptoms.

Typically it offers a shorter recovery than procedures like hysterectomy. Patients may experience discomfort, but most return to normal activities within two weeks. Fibroid embolisation is a safe and effective option for managing fibroid-related symptoms while preserving the uterus.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Ovarian vein embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure for pelvic congestion syndrome and pelvic varicose veins. It involves inserting a catheter into the ovarian vein through a tiny pin hole incision.

The aim is to block or reduce blood flow by injecting materials like coils or polymers to close the vein, alleviating symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and improving circulation. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and has a short recovery time, allowing many patients to resume normal activities within days.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure to treat venous malformations by injecting a sclerosant into affected veins. This treatment closes off problematic blood vessels, causing them to collapse and shrink. Venous malformations can lead to swelling, pain, or impairment. Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and typically a day procedure.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Varicocele embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that treats enlarged scrotal veins (varicocele), which can cause pain and infertility. A catheter is inserted through a tiny pin hole incision and guided into the affected veins. Embolic agents are introduced to block blood flow in the abnormal veins. This redirects blood to healthier veins, alleviating symptoms and improving testicular health.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Tumour embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood vessels supplying certain tumours, reducing blood flow to shrink or kill them and control growth. It utilises imaging techniques, like fluoroscopy to navigate a tiny catheter to the targeted vessel, where materials like particles or coils block it. This procedure is often used for tumours in the liver, kidneys, and lungs, sometimes combined with surgery or radiation.

Benefits include reduced bleeding during surgery, symptom relief, and potentially easier removal of inoperable tumors. Tumor embolisation offers an effective option for treating specific cancers, improving patient outcomes.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Visceral aneurysm embolisation is a minimally invasive way to treat aneurysms in blood vessels supplying organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. The aim is to prevent the aneurysm rupturing, which can lead to life threatening bleeding.

An interventional radiologist makes a small cut in the groin to access the blood vessel and uses imaging guidance to place a catheter. This catheter delivers materials to reduce blood flow through the aneurysm while preserving blood flow to the organ.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Liver microwave ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for treating liver tumours using microwave energy to destroy cancer cells. A thin transducer is inserted through the skin into the tumour delivering heat to kill cells while sparing healthy tissue. Benefits include shorter recovery time, less blood loss, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery. Ablation may not suit all patients or tumour types, so discussions with healthcare providers is essential.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

A port-a-cath insertion is a medical procedure where a small device called a port is placed under the skin for easy access to the bloodstream. The doctor makes a small cut, usually in the upper chest, and creates a space for the port. A catheter is then threaded from the port into a large vein allowing direct access to the central venous system. The port allows easy access for blood test or IV medications, such as chemotherapy can be given without repeated needle sticks.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

An IVC filter, or inferior vena cava filter, is a medical device that prevents blood clots from reaching the lungs, which can cause serious issues. It's mainly used for patients who are at high risk for clots, like those with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or who cannot take blood thinners.

The filter is placed in the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. It looks like a small mesh cage that catches clots while still allowing blood to flow.

IVC filters can be permanent for long-term use or retrievable, which can be removed once safe to do so.

The IVC filter is placed via a catheter through a tiny pin hole incision in the groin or neck.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy (RIG) places a tube through the skin directly into the stomach for direct nutrition delivery, aiding patients who cannot eat orally due to conditions like neurological disorders or cancers.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Nephrostomy is a medical procedure that involves placing a tube through the skin into the kidney to drain urine. This is done when there's a blockage in the urinary tract that stops urine from flowing normally. Situations that may lead to a nephrostomy include kidney stones, tumours, or scarring in the urinary tract.

The tube is inserted with the help of imaging techniques, allowing urine to bypass the blockage. This helps to relieve pressure in the kidney and lowers the risk of infection. Some patients may need nephrostomy for a short period, while others might require it long-term if other treatments are not possible.

Ongoing management is important to make sure the tube stays clear and to avoid any complications.

Service types: Image guided procedures | Interventional radiology.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC) is a procedure that uses imaging to examine the bile ducts in the liver. It helps diagnose bile duct problems and check for blockages.

A thin needle is placed through the skin into the bile duct to inject a contrast dye, which makes the ducts visible on X-rays. PTC is done for patients with jaundice when the bile duct is blocked by stones or cancer.

A radiologist can unblock the bile duct by removing the stones or placing a drain or a stent to keep the bile ducts open.