Interventional radiology combines surgical procedures with real-time imaging using CT, ultrasound, etc. This allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with even greater precision and the best possible tissue protection.
Here you will find further information and selected specialists for interventional radiology.
Interventional radiology is officially part of diagnostic radiology. Radiology includes all imaging examination procedures, such as
Interventional radiology refers to minimally invasive procedures that take place under radiological control.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures are performed without direct vision inside the body. This
For better orientation and control, the surgeon uses radiological imaging to check his work steps.
Imaging procedures are used to precisely localize the area to be treated. With the help of interventional radiology, the surgeon can also perform fine surgical procedures that would otherwise only be possible "open". Open procedures mean longer tissue incisions to open up the surgical area.
Common areas of application are
Vascular interventions, i.e. interventions on the blood vessels, are the main area of application of interventional radiology. In particular, arterial stenoses and occlusions, such as
can be repaired quickly and easily. PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) can be used for coronary heart disease.
Insertion of a drug-eluting stent using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) © Belezapoy | AdobeStock
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
During an angioplasty, the doctor administers a contrast agent to the patient and then takes X-ray images. The resulting angiogram shows the blood vessels and provides information about pathological changes (such as blood clots or calcifications). Their exact localization can also be seen on this angiogram.
The doctor then makes a minimal incision through which he inserts a catheter into a suitable blood vessel. With the help of the angiogram, the surgeon can precisely advance a catheter into the affected blood vessel.
In the event of a vascular constriction, he uses a so-called balloon catheter or a stent (vascular stabilizing implant): Both lead to a recanalization of blocked vessels by widening the constricted area and keeping it open in the future.
Computer tomography is used to treat certain tumors locally. Under CT control, the doctor can inject medication with pinpoint accuracy. Alternatively, radioactive particles can be injected into the relevant vessels as part of selective internal radiotherapy(SIRT).
It is also possible to cut off the blood supply to a tumor using a catheter. Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE), for example, specifically causes a blood clot in the vessels supplying the tumour.
Chemosaturation, on the other hand, temporarily cuts off the liver from the body's blood circulation. In this way, it can be treated with chemotherapeutic agents while sparing the rest of the body.
Another treatment method is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). It uses alternating current to precisely destroy tumor tissue.
Trauma surgeons use interventional radiology to stop major bleeding in a minimally invasive way. The doctor uses a catheter to obliterate the damaged vessel or closes it with a membrane-covered stent.
The doctor can also treat damage to the aorta (main artery) in this minimally invasive way.
Broken or collapsed vertebrae can cause pain and sensory disturbances. Bone cement is injected to stabilize the injured vertebrae.
The patient lies on a couch in a prone position for the procedure. He is given a general anesthetic so that he does not move even minimally.
The doctors then use an X-ray machine or computer tomography. This allows them to see the exact position of the vertebrae. Under image control, the surgeon then inserts a hollow needle through which he injects the stabilizing bone cement into the vertebra.
Nerves that send permanent or excessive pain signals severely impair quality of life.
The doctor can treat them with
medication.
To do this, he uses X-ray fluoroscopy or computer tomography to image the affected part of the spine. He then inserts the needle at the correct angle and depth and injects the medication.
If necessary, the patient is given a local anesthetic. If necessary, the doctor also applies a contrast agent.
In dialysis patients, shunts (or dialysis shunt systems) are created to filter the blood. Shunts are artificial connections between an artery and a vein.
Other areas of application include the removal of tissue samples (biopsy) and the placement of drains and feeding tubes.
Patient behavior varies greatly depending on the clinical picture and the procedure performed. For example, a day of bed rest is recommended after a vertebroplasty so as not to impair the hardening of the cement.
A day of rest is also recommended after the administration of anesthetics. You should also not drive a vehicle on this day.
The prognosis also depends on the type of procedure performed by the doctor. Catheterizations of the bile ducts or blood vessels, for example, have a very high success rate, even in the long term. Patients who suffer from nerve pain also benefit enormously from the treatment in most cases.
How promising a tumor treatment is depends on
of the tumor. Some tumors are not (or no longer) curable, while the chances are very good for others. The attending physician can make a more precise assessment.
Interventional radiology is purely minimally invasive. This means that the complication rate and the extent of side effects are extremely low.
The following complications are rarely possible with injections:
With vertebroplasty, subsequent fractures or signs of paralysis due to pressure on the spinal cord are possible. The latter is the result of bone cement leaking from the vertebra.
The treatment of nerve pain can temporarily lead to
symptoms.
Some people have intolerances to the injected medication or contrast media.
Interventional radiology is a treatment method with a wide range of possible applications.
Thanks to real-time imaging, it enables gentle, precise treatment. As a result, the complication rate is much lower than with an invasive procedure.
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