Interventional Imaging

A subspecialty of interventional radiology (IR) uses image-guided, minimally-invasive procedures to diagnose and treat various diseases. Interventional radiologists rely on angiography, mobile C-arm and fluoroscopy imaging systems to perform thrombolysis, embolization, biopsies, vascular and other minimally invasive procedures, which can reduce recovery time, risk and costs. Find more IR content on the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) page.

Elizabeth Ann Ignacio, MD, FSIR, FACR, the chair of Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Small and Rural Practices Committee, president of the Hawaii Medical Association, and a board member of the American College of Radiology, outlines the shortage of IRs outside of major cities and ways to make these positions more attractive.

How to address the shortage of interventional radiologists

Elizabeth Ann Ignacio, MD, FSIR, FACR, chair of SIR Small and Rural Practices Committee, and an ACR board member, outlines ways to make these positions outside of major cities more attractive.

New IR procedure for cubital tunnel syndrome

New IR procedure could be a viable alternative to surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome

The technique, which takes around 20 minutes to complete, uses ultrasound guidance to target and release Osborne's ligament with a specialized thread.

Ablation therapy versus partial nephrectomy for small renal masses

New findings portray both treatment options in a similar light when it comes to overall survival rates, though one creates significantly more burden for both patients and hospital resources. 

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Woman succumbs to injuries sustained in radiology suite explosion

Initial police reports indicate that an electrical short circuit started the fire, leading to the explosion of an oxygen cylinder.

CT guided bone marrow biopsy

CT guided bone marrow biopsies cost 13 times more than non-image guided procedures, without improving specimen quality

A new analysis offers a thorough overview of the factors that influence providers’ decision to utilize image guidance and how they affect expenditures.

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Simple IR procedure could prevent women from having hysterectomies, but most have never heard of it

New survey data suggest less than 20% of women with uterine fibroids are offered additional treatment options besides a hysterectomy.

renal cryoablation volumes

How much is too much when it comes to cryoablation volumes in solitary kidneys?

A paper in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology offers new guidance on how ablation volumes affect renal function in solitary kidneys and highlights ranges that pose the least risk to patients. 

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Recruiting struggles force large hospital to enact a 'drastic reduction' in interventional services

The state’s fourth largest hospital will no longer provide around the clock IR coverage—something physicians at the facility fear will affect patient care. 

Around the web

Former American Society of Echocardiography president and well-known cardiac ultrasound pioneer Roberto Lang, MD, died at the age of 73. He helped develop 3D echo technology that is now used by care teams on a daily basis.

Imaging and radiology are in a transition right now as more departments and practices are choosing to bring their 3D labs in-house.  

John Simon, MD, CEO of SimonMed Imaging, says imaging has considerably advanced for noninvasive detection of disease and it may be time for it to play a greater role in annual physicals, especially in executive physical exams.