Interventional Procedures

  • Minimally invasive procedures
  • Performed by radiologists
  • Wide range of imaging techniques

Find your local practice

Everything to know about Interventional Procedures

How Interventional Procedures work

"Interventional Procedures" refers to a range of minimally invasive specialty procedures, from simple corticosteroid injections to minor surgical procedures. Your procedure may involve common imaging methods such as Fluoroscopy (real time x-rays), CT, Ultrasound or Nuclear Medicine. You'll be advised of the exact process when you make your booking.

IPs can be used to examine most parts of the body, including:

  • Spine
  • Chest & abdomen
  • Internal organs
  • Muscles & tendons

What to expect

Interventional Procedures are image-guided procedures performed by an experienced radiologist.

The radiologist will use an imaging method such as x-ray, ultrasound or CT, depending on your procedure. This way, the radiologist is able to perform the procedure under the safest conditions, able to clearly visualise every move, ensuring the least amount of discomfort for the patient. Many procedures are minor and quick to perform. In all cases, staff will explain the procedure to ensure patients are well-informed and comfortable.

The day of the Procedure

The night before
Good night's sleep

6 hrs prior
Eat & drink as normal
(unless told otherwise)

30 mins prior
Arrive early with referral

The procedure
30mins - 3hrs determinded prior

After scan
Discharge dependent on person

Request interventional procedures appointment

Find your local practice

FAQs

What's the benefit of interventional radiology vs theatre procedures?

Less invasive, with better outcomes. Interventional procedures have less risk, less pain, and shorter recovery time in comparison to theatre surgery. The concept is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques. Under constant imaging, the radiologist is able to track his or her every move and carefully perform the entire procedure with direct visualisation. As a team, the radiologist and radiographer ensure the patient is best cared for with the use of constantly improving diagnostic equipment.

What's the difference between a radiologist and an interventional radiologist?

A radiologist interprets images to determine how the body is functioning, looking for issues that other specialists may not be able to see. An interventional radiologist has undertaken further training, giving them the ability to perform minimally invasive procedures, treating the issues found via imaging.

How did interventional radiology procedures originate?

It started with Charles Theodore Dotter. His goal was to treat patients without the scalpel, lowering morbidity and mortality. The first patient was Laura Shaw, an 82 year old woman admitted to The University of Oregon Hospital with pain in her left foot. The foot had a non-healing ulcer and gangrenous toes - all doctors had recommended amputation, which Shaw had refused.
She was referred to Dotter who theorised percutaneous dilating catheters. The procedure went well and within minutes, Shaw's foot was warm with restored blood flow. Her pain disappeared within the week and her ulcer quickly healed. Thanks to Dotter, our Interventional Radiologists are now able to perform less invasive procedures, such as angioplasty, to save our patients from intrusive procedures like amputation.

Meet Dr Peter Zheng

FRANZCR
Consultant Radiologist, Lumus Imaging, Brisbane

"We are constantly adopting the latest technology and ideas, expanding into regional, rural and metropolitan areas, and attracting professionals with genuine talent and enthusiasm at every level. "

About us