Interventional radiology is the newest rapidly growing area of imaging technology medicine. Interventional radiologists are medical professionals who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging guidance, as a matter of fact interventional radiology procedures can often replace open surgical procedures that have been commonly performed in the past and present.
Interventional radiologists work in a dynamic and rapidly changing field of medicine. As the original inventors of such surgical techniques as angioplasty and the catheter-delivered stent, which were first implanted in the legs to treat peripheral arterial disease, interventional radiologists pioneered minimally invasive modern medicine.
According to xraytechnicianeducation.com, as the techniques and technology continue to expand, the limitations that used to require standard surgical procedures are, quickly becoming a thing of the past. More and more procedures are being added every year to this growing field of medicine.
Experienced interventional radiologists offer the most in-depth knowledge of the least invasive treatments available, coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience across all specialties. Applications on the horizon include such science as nanotechnology, stem cells as well as gene therapy.
The experience is generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times. Interventional radiologists or IRs use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters or tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter, through the blood vessels or other pathways.
Such techniques are also used to treat disease through the skin or percutaneously. These procedures are typically much less invasive and much less costly than traditional surgery. Additionally, the recovery time is also drastically reduced.
Who are interventional radiologists?
Interventional radiologists are medical professionals who have specialized in doing medical procedures that involve radiology. Radiologists use imaging equipment such as X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance or MR imaging, and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose disease.
IRs are board-certified radiologists who are fellowship trained in through the skin or percutaneous interventions using guided imaging. Their specialized training is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
How did interventional radiology develop?
The improved ability of radiologists to see inside the body gave rise to interventional radiology ñ minimally invasive targeted treatments performed using imaging for guidance ñ in the mid-1970s.
Interventional radiologists invented angioplasty and the first catheter-delivered stent, which was first used in the legs, to save patients with vascular disease from amputation or other surgery.
These advances pioneered modern medicine and gave rise to the state-of-the-art treatments that are commonplace today. Interventional radiology is a medical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association.

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Sep.7,2012
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