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How it works
Interventional Procedures refer 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.
Interventional Procedures can be performed on most parts of the body, including:
- Spine
- Chest and abdomen
- Internal organs
- Muscles and 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/fluoroscopy, 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 you, the patient.
Many procedures are minor and quick to perform. In all cases, our staff will explain the procedure to ensure that you, our patient, are well-informed and comfortable.
Day of the scan
- The night before. Good night's sleep.
- 6 hrs prior. Eat & drink as normal (unless told otherwise)
- 30 mins prior. Arrive early with referral.
- 30 mins - 3 hrs determined prior. The procedure.
- After scan. Discharge dependent on person.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Plan ahead and ask your referring doctor or Lumus Imaging team, as some procedures require the patient to be driven home.
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 using image-guidance.
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 surgery in the operating theatre. The concept is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques. Using imaging to guide them, 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, radiographer and nurse ensure the patient is best cared for with the use of constantly improving diagnostic equipment.
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.