Interventional radiology (IR) is the medical specialty that uses medical imaging (radiology) to guide doctors during minimally invasive surgical procedures.
An interventional radiologist is a doctor who’s specially trained to do minimally invasive surgical procedures using medical imaging.
Interventional radiologists can treat many kinds of problems, including:
They do medical tests and procedures such as:
Interventional radiologist training typically includes:
They also might have:
Treatments done by interventional radiologists may prevent the need for regular surgery. Regular surgery often requires general anesthesia, but most IR procedures can be done with local anesthesia and sedation. Also, the recovery from IR procedures is usually quicker and less painful than recovery from regular surgery.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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