Many different modalities are used in interventional imaging such as: computed tomography, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound (Farrell, p. 375, 2014). With the advances in imaging technology, interventional radiology (IR) is a quickly growing, and becoming a popular advanced specialty. IR is a form of minimally invasive imaging that is used to assist in procedures. Interventional radiology can be used to treat as well as diagnose disease. There are many types of disease that can be treated with IR, including deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, coronary artery disease, uterine fibroids, and cancer (Farrell, p. 378, 2014).
Basics of Interventional Imaging Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures usually take place in a surgical suite that has fluoroscopy equipment with digital subtraction angiography (Farrell, p. 376, 2014). A contrast agent can be used to improve the visualization of vasculature. The contrast helps the radiologist to see the lumen of the vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, or urinary tract. A catheter is used to inject the contrast directly to the area being imaged (Farrell, p. …show more content…
The hospital stays are shorter, and in many cases can be done on an outpatient basis. Some other benefits include lower costs and shorter recovery time. On the negative side, most of these procedures involve exposing the patient to ionized radiation.
Benefits and limitations of Ultrasound Guided Interventional Imaging Ultrasound can also be used for image-guided procedures, eliminating the exposure to radiation. This is an important benefit of ultrasound guided interventional imaging, due to recent increases in the concerns over radiation dose. Ultrasound is a safer and less expensive alternative. New technology, including fusion imaging, has peaked a renewed interest in ultrasound among radiologists (Reed, 2012).
Basics of Interventional Imaging Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures usually take place in a surgical suite that has fluoroscopy equipment with digital subtraction angiography (Farrell, p. 376, 2014). A contrast agent can be used to improve the visualization of vasculature. The contrast helps the radiologist to see the lumen of the vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, or urinary tract. A catheter is used to inject the contrast directly to the area being imaged (Farrell, p. …show more content…
The hospital stays are shorter, and in many cases can be done on an outpatient basis. Some other benefits include lower costs and shorter recovery time. On the negative side, most of these procedures involve exposing the patient to ionized radiation.
Benefits and limitations of Ultrasound Guided Interventional Imaging Ultrasound can also be used for image-guided procedures, eliminating the exposure to radiation. This is an important benefit of ultrasound guided interventional imaging, due to recent increases in the concerns over radiation dose. Ultrasound is a safer and less expensive alternative. New technology, including fusion imaging, has peaked a renewed interest in ultrasound among radiologists (Reed, 2012).