Interventional Radiology Procedures

Interventional radiology (IR) is a specialty often called on to help solve many different clinical problems. Sometimes, that help comes by obtaining a diagnosis, other times by treatment, and still other times by both. The array of problems for which an IR consultation can be helpful is quite broad. Some IR procedures, which are described in more detail in this chapter, include, Abscess drainage, Arterial procedures and interventions, Biliary procedures and interventions, Gastrointestinal procedures and interventions, Genitourinary procedures and interventions, Intraoperative cases, Noninvasive vascular imaging, Percutaneous oncologic interventions, Percutaneous biopsies, Venous procedures and interventions, Venous access. The anesthesia needed to accomplish these procedures, just like the procedures themselves, varies widely. Anesthesia support can range from none at all up to and including general anesthesia. However, the majority of these procedures can be successfully accomplished with the use of “sedation and analgesia,” also known as moderate sedation.