Interventional radiology

Interventional radiology uses advanced imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures through a small incision or needle. These procedures can be used to investigate and treat conditions affecting blood vessels and organs, including blockages, bleeding and tumours.

Across our UAE hospitals, our teams provide image-guided procedures such as biopsies and drainage. Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi offers a broader range of vascular and organ-based treatments, including procedures for fibroids, tumours and blocked urinary or biliary systems.

Where appropriate, interventional radiology may offer an alternative to traditional open surgery, using smaller incisions and potentially allowing for a shorter recovery time.

What is interventional radiology?

Interventional radiology is a specialist area of medicine that uses imaging, such as ultrasound, X-ray or CT, to guide minimally invasive procedures. Using a fine needle or tube called a catheter, an interventional radiologist can diagnose and treat conditions affecting blood vessels and organs. This may include opening blocked blood vessels, stopping internal bleeding, draining fluid or infection, and treating certain tumours. For some patients, these procedures may offer an alternative to conventional surgery, depending on their individual condition.

When are you referred to interventional radiology?

Your doctor might refer you to interventional radiology to:

• Open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel
• Treat uterine fibroids without removing the womb
• Treat certain tumours using techniques such as tumour ablation or embolisation
• Drain an obstructed kidney or bile duct
• Stop bleeding that won't settle
• Remove of treat certain blood clots
• Place a line for chemotherapy or dialysis
• Take a tissue sample using an image-guided biopsy

You do not normally arrange an interventional radiology procedure yourself. Your doctor or hospital team will assess your condition and refer you if an image-guided procedure is appropriate. Some procedures are performed urgently, such as treating severe internal bleeding or removing a blood clot causing a stroke. Before a planned procedure, your interventional radiologist will explain the treatment, benefits, risks and alternatives.

What to expect

The details of your procedure will depend on the condition being treated and the type of intervention required. Most procedures take place in a specialised imaging or interventional procedure room rather than a conventional operating theatre. You will usually receive local anaesthetic to numb the area where the procedure is performed. Some procedures may also involve sedation to help you relax and remain comfortable. The interventional radiologist makes a small opening in the skin and uses imaging guidance to carefully position a fine needle, catheter or other device. The imaging allows the doctor to see the treatment area during the procedure and guide the treatment precisely.

The length of the procedure varies depending on what is being done. Some procedures can be completed within an hour, while more complex treatments may take longer. Many procedures are performed as a day case or involve only a short hospital stay. After the procedure, you will be monitored by the clinical team before you are discharged or transferred to a ward, depending on the treatment you have received. Your interventional radiologist will explain what you should expect during recovery, including any restrictions on activity, medicines or follow-up appointments.

Interventional radiology at Mediclinic

Mediclinic provides interventional radiology services across our hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including biopsies, drainage and other image-guided procedures. Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi offers a broader range of vascular and organ-based treatments, including procedures for uterine fibroids, selected tumours, blood flow problems, and blocked urinary or biliary systems. Our interventional radiologists work closely with other specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient.