What Is IR?
Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. They use their knowledge of radiology and anatomy to treat patients by using only needles and catheters. The field is at the cornerstone of medicine, touching on almost every specialty. Interventional radiologists pioneered minimally invasive techniques, and were the inventors of angioplasty and the catheter-delivered stent, which were first used in the legs to treat peripheral arterial disease. Today many conditions that once required surgery can be treated nonsurgically by interventional radiologists. Interventional radiology treatments offer less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery. Interventional radiology is a recognized medical specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians with additional advanced training in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using radiology imaging guidance. Their board certification includes both Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology which are administered by the American Board of Radiology. Please click here for the official global statement defining interventional radiology.
