Frequently Asked Questions

Interventional radiology combines image based diagnosis with minimally invasive therapy. The interventional radiologist is specialised in targeting treatment using imaging modalities such as X-ray, ultrasound and CT for guidance. Using non-surgical techniques, catheters can be guided through blood vessels or the skin directly to the source of the problem for direct treatment.

Identification of the problem can be made with angiography, ultrasound or x-ray, with the best access path being mapped out. By using the various catheters and stents, stenosed or short segmentally occluded arteries can be re-opened via the intra approach. With most blood vessels access is gained via groin or the arm.

Some of the benefits include:

• Most of the procedures can be performed on a short hospital stay or outpatient basis.
• Risk, pain and recovery time are often significantly reduced.
• A general anaesthetic is usually not required.
• Procedures can be less expensive than surgery or other alternatives.

You will be asked to change into a gown and lie flat on the procedure couch. Depending on what area is being scanned, a water based gel is placed on the skin corresponding to that area. (The gel acts as medium to ensure there is good contact with the skin and eliminates any air pockets.) A transducer is moved around the area and a series of images are recorded. The room is usually darkened, to eliminate screen reflection.

Vascular Ultrasound scans are noninvasive (no needles or injections are given) and painless. Slight discomfort may be felt as the transducer is moved around the skin. Please let the Sonographer know if you are tender in any area before the test commences.

There are no known harmful effects associated with the medical use of ultrasound. Studies have demonstrated no direct links between the use of diagnostic ultrasound and any harmful outcomes.

Click here for ASUM policy on ultrasound safety.