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.

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths
There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.
SIR releases new guidance on the use of interventional radiology in pediatric trauma care
Interventional procedures play an integral role in managing traumatic pediatric injuries nonoperatively, though specific guidelines for the use of endovascular interventions in this setting have not been fully defined prior to these latest recommendations.
Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy
SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.
Interventional techniques can help limit amputations among CLI patients
Kumar Madassery, MD, detailed some of the techniques and tools used to restore blood flow to the foot to help foot wounds heal and prevent amputation.
Peripheral artery disease is out of control in many rural, low income communities
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) leads to more than 400 leg amputations per day in the U.S. Kumar Madassery, MD, discussed the importance of increasing awareness and reaching patients before it is too late.

Radiologist-founded company wins $1.7M for stroke busting device

Mubin Syed, MD, plans to put the money toward research and prototypes, hoping for the device to hit the market in the next two years.

September 22, 2021

New tool helps providers choose follow-up imaging or treatment for patients with aneurysm growth

The triple-S model accurately estimates a patient's risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture based on a handful of risk factors, experts reported in JAMA Neurology.

August 30, 2021

FDA announces recall of venous catheter product after missing instructions contribute to 2 deaths

The Class 1 warning is the most serious type of recall, indicating the use of Cardinal Health's UVC insertion tray can cause serious injury or death.

August 23, 2021

Society of Interventional Radiology issues guidance for minimally invasive lung cancer treatments

The documents detail appropriate patient selection for image-guided percutaneous ablation along with post-treatment care and follow-up protocols, among other topics.

August 2, 2021

Interventional radiologists without fellowship training remain crucial to stroke care access

Doctors without neurointerventional certification increase the number of providers offering endovascular therapy by more than 20%, a new surveys shows.

July 27, 2021

overnight night shift attending radiologist burnout. A new policy statement from the American College of Cardiology highlights the importance of career flexibility—including the ability to change hours or work responsibilities when necessary—for cardiologists of all ages.

Interventional radiologists finish 87% of procedures by 5 PM with new workflow

Focusing on workflow changes rather than staffing levels may be critical to curbing burnout and ensuring providers achieve better work-life balance.

July 26, 2021

While a vast majority of heart transplants in the United States are successful, unplanned hospitalizations after the procedures are still incredibly common. Top 10 reasons for readmission after heart transplant.

Philips earns FDA breakthrough status for interventional IVC filter removal device

In two independent, prospective studies, the laser-guided tool was 96%-99% effective with a major adverse event rate of 0.7%-2%.

July 21, 2021

Image-guided injections for back pain cost 14 times more in hospital settings compared to clinics

Shifting these outpatient interventional procedures from hospital-based rooms toward clinic-based settings also helped reduce wait and exam times, experts reported in JACR.

June 30, 2021

Around the web

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.