Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of the radiology field that makes use of minimally-invasive procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in each organ system throughout the body. The concept is quite simple. Doctors diagnose and treat disease while minimizing the risk to each patient and improving overall health outcomes. In fact, vascular and interventional radiology procedures have less risk, less pain, and a reduced recovery time when compared to open procedures. The medical doctor behind this procedure is a radiologist, a highly experienced and specialized doctor of osteopathic medicine.
What is a Radiologist?
Radiologists spend years learning how to diagnose and treat disease using medical imaging techniques, including x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasounds, for example. Some of these procedures are more common than others, though all are important.
Vascular and interventional radiologists are specialized professionals within the diagnostic subspecialty. Medical practitioners within the field focus on therapeutic and diagnostic medicine. They’re training and abilities help combat:
- Vascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Hepatobiliary disease
- Pulmonary disease
- Central nervous system disease
- Musculoskeletal disease
Procedures
Radiological procedures are medically prescribed. They require the experience and thorough training of a skilled radiologist to perform successfully. Only certified technicians may perform such procedures, making the field incredibly specialized. Physicians spend four to six years of post-medical school training, which usually includes radiation safety and medical imaging interpretation.
In any case, the amount of schooling is necessary to ensure the utmost professionalism and skill during a procedure. One wrong move and the entire system may dissolve. Radiologists have a lot of weight on their shoulders, and they come through in a pinch.
Contact Us
To schedule a consultation appointment with an experienced heart doctor, please contact Brookhaven Heart by calling 631-654-3278. We would be happy to work with your schedule to set up a prompt appointment.
