Vascular radiology, sometimes called interventional radiology, is a field of medicine that focuses on minimally invasive techniques for diagnosis and treatment that might otherwise require an open surgery. Generally, these approaches have an advantage over traditional surgery because there may not be the risk of using a general anesthetic and recovery time is less.

Oncology

Vascular radiology procedures can be used in the diagnostic phase of cancer, especially when a lymph node biopsy or biopsy of tumors is needed. Some biopsies may be performed as a fine needle biopsy where a thin needle is inserted into the skin and used to take a tissue sample of a lymph node or other mass. Depending on the results of the procedure a formal biopsy may be needed, or treatment decisions can be made using the less invasive biopsy. Treatments for different types of cancer may be administered with minimally invasive procedures. For example, procedures such as ablation or embolization, can be performed by threading a catheter to the target area and destroying cancerous tissue or occluding blood vessels that feed a tumor. Targeted chemo or radiation may be administered in a similar manner to minimize destruction of healthy tissues.

Neurology/Neurosurgery

The brain is sensitive to bleeding and changes to intracranial pressure, making vascular radiology an ideal approach to neurological issues. Minimally invasive approaches may be used to eliminate clots or narrowing in blood vessels that might have caused a stroke. The carotid artery is the major blood vessel leading to the brain and narrowing or buildup of plaque sets the foundation for a major stroke. A vascular radiologist can thread a catheter through the groin and widen a narrowed carotid artery to place a stent. The stent allows the blood vessel to remain open, possibly reducing or eliminating the risk of stroke. Similarly, minimally invasive techniques can be used to treat some blood vessel malformations that might occur in the brain or treat aneurysms before they burst.

Cardiovascular

There are similarities between neurology and cardiology when considering minimally invasive techniques, often because both organ systems are prone to blockages. In the cardiovascular system, one of the most common concerns is blockages that may contribute to a heart attack. Minimally invasive techniques can be used to unblock coronary arteries and place stents. In some cases, a vascular radiologist might work with a team of cardiothoracic surgeons to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms. A synthetic graft can be inserted using a catheter and imaging guidance. Once the graft is in the proper location of the abdominal aorta, the graft can be deployed. Grafting is used to maintain the integrity of a weakened blood vessel so the risk of further weakening and rupture is minimized. A major advantage of using vascular radiology in cardiac procedures is the patient is not placed on a heart-lung bypass machine, which further reduces complications associated with being on the bypass machine.

Vascular radiology has numerous applications in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions that would otherwise require invasive surgery.

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