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.

Interventional radiologists launch 1 of nation’s 1st tumor boards dedicated to cancer pain
Alan Alper Sag, MD, a nationally recognized expert in both bone and nerve interventions with the University of Miami, is captaining the new initiative.
Expert panel develops new breast biopsy guidelines
The recommendations were designed to improve accuracy and safety in diagnosing breast lesions using multiple imaging methods, including DBT, ultrasound and MRI.
Carbon dioxide a safe, effective contrast alternative for vascular procedures
Researchers believe that it could be especially beneficial in patients with impaired kidney function who may be at risk of adverse reactions to standard ICM.
Ultrasound guidance safer, more effective for biopsies of peripheral lung lesions in pediatric patients
The technique has proven effective in adults, but until recently there has been a lack of data on its use among children.
FDA clears first large-bore, vacuum-assisted pulmonary embolism thrombectomy system
The Symphony Thrombectomy System eliminates tradeoffs between two priorities—leveraging large-bore power and ease of use vs. efficiently reducing clot burden and delivering improved speed.

scanner money radiology dollar MRI CT payment compensation

When it comes to image-guided ablations, the most cost-effective modality is also the least effective option

Ablation therapy used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma requires image guidance, which is usually done via ultrasound, CT or MRI.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Interventional Imaging

Interventional radiologists launch 1 of nation’s 1st tumor boards dedicated to cancer pain

Expert panel develops new breast biopsy guidelines

Carbon dioxide a safe, effective contrast alternative for vascular procedures

Ultrasound guidance safer, more effective for biopsies of peripheral lung lesions in pediatric patients

FDA clears first large-bore, vacuum-assisted pulmonary embolism thrombectomy system