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Interventional Oncological Vascular Radiology

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What is Interventional Oncological Vascular Radiology?

Interventional oncological vascular radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that uses imaging techniques (such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI) to guide minimally invasive procedures performed through blood vessels to diagnose and treat cancer. These procedures are generally performed with catheters (thin, flexible tubes) that are inserted through small incisions in the skin and guided to the target area using image guidance.

What is this diagnostic test used for?

Interventional oncological vascular radiology is used for a wide variety of purposes in cancer treatment, including:

  • Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): To deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor through the blood vessels that supply it, while blocking blood flow to the tumor.
  • Radioembolization (SIRT): To deliver radioactive microspheres directly to the tumor through the blood vessels that supply it, destroying cancer cells with radiation.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): To destroy tumors by heating them with radiofrequency energy.
  • Cryoablation: To destroy tumors by freezing.
  • Embolization: To block blood flow to tumors, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients.
  • Stent placement: To open blood vessels that have been blocked or narrowed by tumors.
  • Drainage of fluid collections: To drain fluid collections that have formed due to cancer or its treatment.
  • Chemotherapy port placement: To facilitate long-term chemotherapy administration.
  • Guided biopsies: To obtain tissue samples from tumors for analysis.

Benefits of high technology in Interventional Oncological Vascular Radiology

Interventional oncological vascular radiology offers a series of key benefits thanks to the technology it uses:

  • Minimally invasive: Procedures are performed through small incisions in the skin, which reduces pain, risk of complications, and recovery time.
  • Targeted treatment: Allows for delivering treatment directly to the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Precision: Image guidance allows for performing procedures with great precision.
  • Alternative to surgery: In some cases, it can be an alternative to open surgery.
  • Improved quality of life: Can improve the quality of life of our patients by alleviating cancer symptoms and prolonging survival.
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How is the procedure performed?

The interventional oncological vascular radiology procedure varies depending on the type of procedure to be performed:

  • Preparation:

    Preparation varies depending on the type of procedure to be performed. In general, it is important to inform your doctor about any allergies you have and about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You may be asked to fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
  • During the test:

    You will lie on an X-ray table. The skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and local anesthesia will be administered. A small incision will be made in the skin, and a catheter will be inserted into a blood vessel. Using image guidance, the catheter will be directed to the target area. The therapeutic or diagnostic procedure will be performed.
  • After the test:

    The catheter will be removed, and pressure will be applied to the area to stop any bleeding. You will be given instructions on how to care for the area and what signs of complication to watch for. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor your recovery.

Recommendations for the test

Remember that it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure the quality of the study and your comfort:

  • Follow preparation instructions: Carefully follow all preparation instructions provided by your doctor or hospital staff.
  • Inform about allergies and medications: It is important to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
  • Inform about any discomfort: Tell your doctor about any discomfort or pain you experience during the procedure.

Are there any risks?

Interventional oncological vascular radiology is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it has some minimal risks to consider:

  • Bleeding: There may be bleeding at the puncture site or in the treated area.
  • Infection: There is a risk of infection at the puncture site or in the treated area.
  • Blood vessel injury: In rare cases, blood vessels may be injured during the procedure.
  • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to contrast media or other medications used during the procedure may occur.
  • Procedure-specific complications: Each procedure has its own specific risks, which your doctor will explain to you before the test.

For your test to proceed smoothly, we ask that you arrive in advance of your scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.

Before the test, we will provide you with the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign.

If your appointment is for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental), tattoos, or medication infusion devices, such as insulin pumps.

These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is a minimal possibility of incidence.

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