Interventional Imaging

A subspecialty of interventional radiology (IR) uses image-guided, minimally-invasive procedures to diagnose and treat various diseases. Interventional radiologists rely on angiography, mobile C-arm and fluoroscopy imaging systems to perform thrombolysis, embolization, biopsies, vascular and other minimally invasive procedures, which can reduce recovery time, risk and costs. Find more IR content on the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) page.

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy
SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.
Expedited g-tube placement cuts costs and LOS in head and neck cancer patients
There were no statistical differences in overall complication rates between the traditional and expedited groups, but there were marked savings and shorter hospital stays.
Going green in the cath lab makes economic sense
New research explored the potential savings of turning off angiography systems at night and on weekends.
ACR updates requirements for on-site staff overseeing contrast administration
A clinician trained to manage reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety.
Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons push for increased adoption of IVUS during peripheral vascular interventions
Increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound when performing lower-extremity revascularization procedures could limit complications and improve patient outcomes, according to new recommendations from several medical societies.

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

VIDEO: Imaging contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing

Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia and vice chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, explains the contrast shortage situation and the tough decisions providers are being forced to make.

May 23, 2022

Alan Matsumoto explains gadolinium as substitute for iodine contrast during shortage

VIDEO: Gadolinium being substituted for iodine contrast in some procedures due to shortage

Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, chair of the department of radiology at the University of Virginia, vice chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Board of Chancellors, and chairman of the ACR Commission on Interventional and Cardiovascular Radiology, explains that the iodine contrast shortage has led to use of MRI gadolinium contrast agents in some cases.

May 20, 2022

Stroke thrombectomy outcomes similar between radiologists, fellowship-trained neurointerventionalists

Increased volume has led to stress among endovascular stroke physicians, with some hospitals relying on interventional rads to relieve the strain.

February 10, 2022

Freestanding imaging centers among those avoiding CMS’ COVID-19 vaccination mandate

The agency also did not include requirements for physician offices or portable X-ray suppliers, while some lawmakers plan to fight the emergency order.

November 8, 2021

Radiologist preferences driving significant cost variability in common imaging-guided procedures

Stanford scientists believe the data underline the need to educate rads about standardization to help curb costs and deliver value.

March 29, 2021

Cheaper imaging-guided alternative used far less frequently than hysterectomy for postpartum bleeding

Women who had their uterus removed via this method paid $18,000 more in hospital charges when compared to uterine artery embolization, rads found.

March 25, 2021

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.