What is interventional radiology?

Interventional radiology is a specialized branch of radiology that enables minimally invasive therapeutic procedures under image guidance. Unlike purely diagnostic radiology, the focus here is on active treatment.

Using imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or angiography (imaging of blood vessels using contrast dye), extremely fine instruments such as catheters, probes, or wires are guided precisely to the target area.

Among the most important procedures are, for example, embolization and ablation:

Closure of tumor vessels (embolization):

The targeted blocking of a tumor’s blood supply (“tumor arterial embolization”) is an established interventional technique, for example in the treatment of liver cancer (HCC). It reduces the tumor’s nutrient supply and can inhibit its growth.

Targeted destruction using heat or cold (ablation):

These procedures are routinely used, particularly for small, localized tumors of the liver, kidney, lung, or bone.

• Radiofrequency ablation: uses high-frequency electrical current to selectively destroy small areas of tissue through heat.
• Microwave ablation: Microwave energy generates heat that destroys the diseased tissue.
• Cryoablation: uses extreme cold to destroy diseased tissue.

These procedures are less invasive than surgery, can often be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay, and can improve quality of life.