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.

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

VIDEO: Imaging contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing

Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia and vice chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, explains the contrast shortage situation and the tough decisions providers are being forced to make.

Alan Matsumoto explains gadolinium as substitute for iodine contrast during shortage

VIDEO: Gadolinium being substituted for iodine contrast in some procedures due to shortage

Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia, vice chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Board of Chancellors, and chairman of the ACR Commission on Interventional and Cardiovascular Radiology, explains that the iodine contrast shortage has led to use of MRI gadolinium contrast agents in some cases.

Kirk Garratt, past SCAI president, explains the impact of the iodine contrast shortage on interventional cardiology and the cath lab. #SCAI

VIDEO: How the iodine contrast shortage is impacting interventional cath labs

Kirk Garratt, MD, medical director of the Center for Heart and Vascular Health, ChristianaCare, and a past president of SCAI, explains what this shortage means for interventional cardiologists.

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VIDEO: Cardiology getting more involved in pulmonary embolism response teams

Terry Bowers, MD, director of vascular medicine at Beaumont Hospital and national co-chair of the Pulmonary Embolism Research Collaborative (PERC), explains the trend toward creating pulmonary embolism (PE) response teams that include cardiology. 

Be prepared: IV contrast media shortage could last up to 8 weeks

All formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol) are expected to be in short supply until mid-June due to COVID lockdowns where the contrast is manufactured.

The Woven Endobridge (WEB) device to seal wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms.

Off-label use of WEB device effective for sidewall aneurysms

A new study published in Radiology found that mesh plugs that are traditionally used to treat brain aneurysms where the blood vessels branch out can also be effective when used to treat aneurysms on the side of the vessel. 

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Joint replacements significantly increase radiation exposure to interventionalists

Experts urged physicians to take extra protective measures when in the presence of metal protheses during procedures and to be vigilant in shielding their eyes from additional exposure. 

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Minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure delivers relief to OA patients

Research found that 68% of patients who underwent a GAE procedure experienced significant reductions in pain and improved overall function.

Around the web

To fully leverage today's radiology IT systems, standardization is a necessity. Steve Rankin, chief strategy officer for Enlitic, explains how artificial intelligence can help.

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.

Deepak Bhatt, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and principal investigator of the TRANSFORM trial, explains an emerging technique for cardiac screening: combining coronary CT angiography with artificial intelligence for plaque analysis to create an approach similar to mammography.