About our service
Our interventional radiology service at the Lindo Wing St Mary’s Hospital, Thames View Charing Cross Hospital and Sainsbury Wing Hammersmith Hospital uses advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions using minimally invasive procedures. Our expert interventional radiology team offers an alternative to traditional surgery when appropriate, often helping patients to recover quickly with minimal disruption to everyday life.
What is interventional radiology?
Interventional radiology is a specialised branch of medicine that uses advanced imaging techniques, such as X ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans, to diagnose and treat conditions from inside the body without the need for traditional surgery.
Interventional radiologists perform minimally invasive procedures using tiny instruments, such as needles, fine wires or thin tubes (called catheters). These are carefully guided to the area being treated using live imaging, allowing treatment to be delivered with a high degree of accuracy while minimising disruption to the body.
When is interventional radiology used?
Interventional radiology is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions through advanced, minimally invasive image-guided procedures. Our specialist team performs a broad range of procedures, including:
biopsy to help diagnose disease
drainage and aspiration to remove fluid and treat infection
embolisation to block abnormal or unwanted blood vessels. This includes:
fibroid embolisation as an effective non-surgical treatment for fibroids
varicocele embolisation to treat abnormal vessels in the scrotum
trauma embolisation to control internal bleeding
aneurysm treatment for selected vascular conditions using cutting edge technology
peripheral vascular intervention to improve blood flow in narrowed or blocked vessels using stents (fine-cut metal mesh) and angioplasty
treatment for vascular malformations
treatment of selected blockages, including blood clots (pulmonary and peripheral embolectomy) kidney stones and tumours of the liver
pain relief procedures, including targeted spinal and joint injections
Interventional radiology also has an important role in modern cancer care, supporting both diagnosis and treatment through procedures such as:
tumour ablation to destroy selected tumours
tumour embolisation to reduce the blood supply to tumours
vascular access for medication, transfusions, chemotherapy or dialysis
What are the benefits of interventional radiology?
Many conditions that once required surgery can now be treated using interventional radiology. These minimally invasive techniques offer a number of benefits, including:
less impact on your body
reduced pain and discomfort
a quicker recovery
less time spent in hospital
Find out more about interventional radiology service
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.
Call: +44 (0) 20 3311 7700