Introduction
This topic covers invasive X-ray procedures and interventional radiology (IR): minimally invasive treatments and some diagnostic examinations performed under real-time imaging guidance. It explains the principles, basic technique, main procedure groups, patient selection, radiation safety and the complications an examiner expects you to know.
Definition and basic principles
Interventional radiology is the branch of radiology that uses imaging to guide needles, catheters, wires and devices through body cavities or blood vessels to diagnose or treat disease. Its aim is to achieve a result that would otherwise need open surgery, with smaller access wounds, less pain, shorter hospital stays and often lower general risk.
- Fluoroscopy: continuous low-dose X-ray imaging, the main guidance method for vascular work.
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA): subtracts a pre-contrast image from contrast-filled images, so that vessels stand out clearly against bone and soft tissue.
- Adjunct guidance: ultrasound, CT and cone-beam CT are used for needle placement, biopsies and drainages, and may be combined with fluoroscopy.