• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): Delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumour through a catheter, blocking the blood supply.
• Ablation therapies
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Uses heat to destroy the tumour.
  • Microwave ablation (MWA): Microwave energy targets and destroys the tumour.
• Transarterial radioembolization (TARE): Delivers radioactive particles to the tumour via the artery.

These treatments are often used for inoperable tumours or when surgery isn't feasible.

In IR, uterine fibroids and adenomyosis treatments are minimally invasive. The most common treatment is uterine artery embolisation (UAE), where tiny particles are injected into the arteries supplying blood to the fibroids or affected areas of the uterus, blocking the blood flow and causing the tumours to shrink. This method helps alleviate symptoms like pain and heavy bleeding without the need for surgery. UAE is a good option for women who wish to avoid or are not candidates for traditional surgery.

Interventional radiology treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the uterine or pelvic area typically involves thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. These minimally invasive procedures use imaging guidance to break down or remove the blood clot.

• Thrombolysis: A catheter is inserted through the skin to deliver clot-dissolving medication directly to the site of the DVT.
• Mechanical thrombectomy: A catheter with a mechanical device removes or breaks up the clot.

These treatments help restore blood flow and prevent complications like post-thrombotic syndrome.

It is a minimally invasive procedure to restore blood flow to blocked or narrowed arteries in the legs.

• Angioplasty: A balloon is inserted and inflated to widen the blocked artery.
• Stent placement: A small mesh tube (stent) keeps the artery open after angioplasty.
• Atherectomy: A catheter with a cutting device removes plaque from the artery.

These procedures are guided by imaging and effectively improve circulation and relieve symptoms like leg pain.

The most common treatments for thyroid nodules include:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Uses heat to shrink or destroy abnormal tissue in the nodule.
• Ethanol ablation: Injects alcohol into the nodule to reduce its size.
• Laser ablation: Laser energy is used to target and destroy tissue.

At KD Hospital, we treat the following standard IR techniques for breast masses :

• Core needle biopsy: A needle is guided by ultrasound or mammography to obtain a tissue sample for diagnosis.
• Vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB): A larger tissue sample is taken using a vacuum-powered device.
• Percutaneous needle aspiration: Fluid or tissue from a cyst or mass is aspirated for analysis.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Heat destroys benign or cancerous masses.

It offers a minimally invasive treatment for varicocele, which is the enlargement of veins in the scrotum. The most common IR procedure for varicocele is:

Percutaneous embolisation: A radiologist inserts a catheter through a small incision in the groin and uses imaging guidance (usually fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to place coils or a sclerosing agent in the affected veins, blocking blood flow and reducing the varicocele.