Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology is not a surgical treatment method.

In Interventional Radiology:

• Atherosclerosis caused by arteriosclerosis and the diseases they cause are treated.
• It is used in the treatment of oncological diseases, especially liver cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer.
• It is effectively applied in the treatment of leg varicose veins and in cases of aortic aneurysm (widening of the aorta, the main artery).

Medicine is rapidly advancing towards new technological treatments. Treatment methods that cause the least pain and disturb the comfort of the patient are performed with advanced technology.

Devices Used in Interventional Radiology:

• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance (MR)
• Ultrasonography
• Angiography

Additionally, treatment methods are applied with specially produced medical materials and auxiliary materials.

Advantages of Interventional Radiology:

• The duration of the procedures is considerably shorter compared to surgical procedures.
• There are fewer possible complications and disadvantages.
• General anesthesia is usually not required.
• The longest procedure time does not exceed 2 hours.

Preparation Process:

When the decision is made for a patient to have Interventional Radiology treatment:

• Patients should not eat after midnight.
• Patients should come with an empty stomach and bring the medications they use with them.

Who Performs Interventional Radiology Applications?

Interventional Radiology applications are performed by radiology specialists and interventional radiologists who have received special training in this field.

Specialization Requirements:

• Knowledge in both surgical and internal medicine branches.
• An excellent understanding of anatomy.
• The ability to follow new technologies and information in medicine in a timely and complete manner.

Interventional Radiologic Treatments and Diseases:

Procedures for Cerebrovascular Diseases:

• Treatment of balloons (aneurysms) formed in the vessels of the brain from the inside.
• Occlusion of congenital vascular masses (AVMs) by progressing through the capillaries.
• Intervention within hours for new-onset stroke-paralysis to open blocked cerebral vessels.
• Opening vascular stenosis (carotid and cerebellar arteries) using a balloon and stent.

Procedures for Vascular Diseases:

• Uterine Myoma Embolization: Non-surgical treatment of uterine fibroids by blocking their feeding vessels.
• Leg Vein Occlusion: Opening blocked vessels with a balloon and stent.
• Renal Vein Stenosis: Treating vessels causing high blood pressure.
• Aortic Aneurysm: Repairing with a stent via a special sheath inside the vessel.
• Hemodialysis Fistulas: Opening stenoses and blockages in vascular fistulas for dialysis.
• Pulmonary Embolism Risk: Placement of a filter in the vena cava to prevent clot leakage into the lungs.
• Varicose Veins: Treatment with imaging-guided laser and interventional applications.
• Bleeding: Treating internal, gastrointestinal, and lung bleeding by blocking the bleeding vessel.

Use in Cancer Treatment:

• Chemoembolization: Administering special drugs to the tumor site through a vein and blocking the vessel.
• Radioembolization: Treatment with radioactive material directed at the tumor.
• Tumor Ablation: Burning and eliminating tumors using radiofrequency or microwave methods.
• Pain Control: Drying nerve involvement causing severe pain in cancer patients.

Special Interventional Treatments:

• Drainage of abscesses and fluid accumulations.
• Draining urine via nephrostomy or antegrade ureteral stent placement in urinary tract obstruction.
• Imaging-guided biopsies for diagnosing tumors, nodules, or masses.

Development and Features of Interventional Radiology:

• Rapidly advancing branch of medicine, offering minimally invasive procedures under imaging guidance.
• Improved techniques allow treatment for more critical patients with less pain and faster recovery.

Procedure Process:

Interventional radiologists plan procedures using prior images, directing catheters through vessels or skin under imaging guidance (DSA, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, CT).