From the Guidelines
Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that employs image-guided techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment, providing lower-risk alternatives to many traditional medical and surgical therapies. This specialty has expanded to encompass the diagnosis and treatment of diseases across multiple body systems since its advent in the 1960s 1. The procedures involve inserting small instruments, such as catheters, needles, or wires, through tiny incisions to reach specific areas inside the body. Some common interventional radiology procedures include:
- Angioplasty to open blocked blood vessels
- Embolization to stop bleeding
- Tumor ablation to destroy cancer cells
- Drainage of fluid collections
- Placement of stents or filters These procedures often replace the need for traditional open surgery, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, reduced infection risk, and quicker recovery times 1. Interventional radiologists complete specialized training beyond standard radiology, developing expertise in both imaging interpretation and performing these precise procedures. Patients typically remain conscious during these procedures under local anesthesia and mild sedation, though some more complex interventions may require general anesthesia. The use of interventional radiology has been shown to be effective in managing various conditions, including severe postpartum hemorrhage, varicosities, acute limb ischemia, and pulmonary embolism 1.
From the Research
Definition of Interventional Radiology
- Interventional radiology refers to a medical specialty that involves minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat various vascular issues in the body 2.
- These procedures often utilize imaging and catheterization techniques, such as injecting arteries with dye and visualizing them via x-ray, to diagnose and treat conditions 2.
Characteristics of Interventional Radiology Procedures
- Interventional radiology procedures can be painful and provoke anxiety, requiring the use of sedation and analgesia to improve patient tolerance and comfort 3, 4.
- The use of intravenous analgesia and anxiolytics, such as fentanyl and midazolam, is common in interventional radiology to provide effective pain relief and sedation 4, 5.
- Monitoring of the patient's vital signs, such as oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and blood pressure, is essential during these procedures to ensure patient safety 4.
Techniques and Safety
- Various sedation techniques, including pharmacological sedation, clinical hypnosis, and digital sedation, are used in interventional radiology to reduce anxiety and pain 6.
- The safety and efficacy of these techniques have been demonstrated in several studies, with preliminary results showing the feasibility and safety of using sedative techniques in interventional radiology 6.
- The development of safe and effective protocols for analgosedation is crucial to ensure patient comfort and safety during interventional radiology procedures 5.