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.

PCI

Use of imaging guidance during coronary interventions has doubled in recent years

New research, published in The American Journal of Cardiology, uncovers widespread variability in provider preference for image guidance during PCI. 

After nearly shutting down its entire interventional department, radiologists throw hospital a lifeline

Despite all of its IR providers submitting their resignations in June, a hospital in Australia appears to have avoided the complete shutdown of the department (for now). 

liver cancer

FDA approves expanded use of radioembolization therapy for liver cancer

The added indications make the treatment the first Y-90 therapy approved for both unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancer of the liver.

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Entire department of interventional radiologists resigns over failed negotiations

The negotiations pertain to disagreements on compensation and concerns over outdated equipment used during IR procedures.

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FDA issues recall of Philips interventional imaging system due to safety risks

A communication error within the system can reportedly cause loss of imaging functionality mid-procedure.

SCAI AMA HOD delegates Jeff Marshall, MD, and And Edward Tuohy, MD, explain how the resolution will have AMA advocate for Medicare payment policy that removes high-ticket supplies from OBL physician payments and will enable these to be billed separately.

AMA to advocate for improved Medicare payments for office-based labs

SCAI and other healthcare groups want changes made to how healthcare providers are paid after performing office-based lab procedures. "As much as we love delivering care as doctors, if we are losing money doing something, we cannot sustain it," one cardiologist explained. 

Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation safer, as effective as surgery for papillary thyroid cancer

Though surgery is the current standard of care, experts believe ablative strategies "may become the primary choice for PTC treatment" in the future.

Dean Kereiakes, a nationally renowned interventional cardiologist and president of The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, has long been recognized for his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular research and intervention. But in 2024, his career and his life were permanently altered when decades of wearing heavy lead protection in the cath lab left him paralyzed.

Cardiologist became paralyzed after wearing heavy aprons in the cath lab for decades—but he fought back

Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, was left paralyzed after battling severe orthopedic issues for his entire career. Back in the cath lab after a long recovery, he is now stressing the importance of workplace safety among interventional cardiologists.