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.

CT angiograms help providers 'cut to the chase' when triaging severe headaches in the ED
In the past, when initial CT scans didn’t uncover anything suspicious, patients were often referred for a lumbar puncture to check for blood in their spinal fluid. But those recommendations have started to change.
Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths
There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.
SIR releases new guidance on the use of interventional radiology in pediatric trauma care
Interventional procedures play an integral role in managing traumatic pediatric injuries nonoperatively, though specific guidelines for the use of endovascular interventions in this setting have not been fully defined prior to these latest recommendations.
Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy
SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.
Expedited g-tube placement cuts costs and LOS in head and neck cancer patients
There were no statistical differences in overall complication rates between the traditional and expedited groups, but there were marked savings and shorter hospital stays.

Less work, more stress—how interventional radiology departments felt the impact of COVID

Survey results published in CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology reveal how interventional departments fared during the first two waves of the pandemic, as well as how organizations are preparing for future outbreaks.

March 14, 2022

Interventional radiologists and residents highlight optimal features of IR training programs

Recent interviews sought to reach beyond the current core competency requirements to gauge how training can better prepare IR residents for real-world practice.

March 8, 2022

Stroke thrombectomy outcomes similar between radiologists, fellowship-trained neurointerventionalists

Increased volume has led to stress among endovascular stroke physicians, with some hospitals relying on interventional rads to relieve the strain.

February 10, 2022

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography developed and published the new document to help educate healthcare providers who regularly treat acute chest pain in the emergency department (ED).

Patient survival odds climb when interventional radiology teams are included in primary trauma surveys

Hemodynamically unstable patients have an almost 25% greater chance of survival when IR teams are included in these surveys.

December 16, 2021

Mentorship 'crucial' for interventional radiologist trainees to overcome research obstacles

Some survey respondents weren't even aware of research opportunities offered by their program, and experts believe solid mentorship could help change that.

December 1, 2021

Radiologist-delivered cooled ablation procedure offers long-term pain relief for knee replacement patients

The authors hope this minimally invasive approach could become the standard of care for this population.

November 22, 2021

Radiology-pathology meetings lead to quicker definitive diagnoses in discordant biopsy cases

More than 50% of exams without biopsy-imaging agreement were later deemed malignant, underscoring the need for radiologists to confirm results with other doctors.

November 12, 2021

Physicians performing fluoroscopy-guided procedures exposed to 3 times more radiation than colleagues

Some experts say it's time to amend radiation regulations pertaining to the eye, which the U.S. last revised in 1991.

November 11, 2021

Interventional Imaging

CT angiograms help providers 'cut to the chase' when triaging severe headaches in the ED

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths

SIR releases new guidance on the use of interventional radiology in pediatric trauma care

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

Expedited g-tube placement cuts costs and LOS in head and neck cancer patients