Interventional Radiology (IR) is an area of medicine that is used to treat a number of different health conditions across medical specialties, but it is often not well understood by patients. We’ll take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about IR.
What is interventional radiology?
Interventional Radiology is a field of medicine that uses imaging guidance, including X-ray, Computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound technologies, in order to deliver targeted minimally-invasive treatments. IR uses advanced medical techniques that are able to address some of medicine’s most difficult health problems.
What kind of conditions are treated with IR?
IR is used for the treatment of vascular conditions, spinal conditions, gynecological conditions, fertility issues, and kidney disorders, among others. IR treatments are very precise, treating health problems at the source for conditions like:
- Cancer
- Vascular disease
- Infertility
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS)
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Spider veins
- Spinal fractures
- Uterine fibroids
- Varicose veins
How are interventional radiologists trained?
IR treatments are very innovative and precise, so a high level of training is needed to become an interventional radiologist. First, an interventional radiologist completes a medical degree at an accredited medical school. After taking and passing a licensing exam, a medical residency must be completed. Next, a physician must complete fellowship training performing interventional radiology procedures. The fellowship training should last at least a year and be with an accredited program. The American Board of Radiology (ABR) provides double board certification in Diagnostic Radiology and in Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
How is IR different from surgery?
IR is different from surgery in a few ways. Interventional radiology is minimally-invasive, requiring only a very tiny incision that can be as small as a pinhole. Many surgeries require general anesthesia and an overnight hospital stay, while IR requires neither.
How does interventional radiology work?
The interventional radiologist will insert a very fine needle into a specific area of the body. A thin wire and catheter as small as a strand of spaghetti will be threaded through the blood vessel in order to treat the source of your medical condition.
Is radiation a concern with IR treatments?
For any medical procedure that uses radiation, there are some risks. In the modern use of medical imaging, the minimum amount of radiation is used and treatments are precisely targeted, in order to provide the minimum amount of exposure needed for a given treatment.
Interventional radiologists are extensively trained in radiation safety and risk mitigation. In their medical training, they learn radiation physics and the biological effects of radiation, and in IR treatments, all federal guidelines around radiation exposure are followed.
What are the benefits of interventional radiology?
IR is much less invasive than traditional open surgeries. IR can lead to better outcomes, lower risk, and faster healing times in many cases, and for some therapies, IR has replaced traditional surgery as the preferred option.
What IR Procedures are offered at Beach Wellness MD?
Beach Wellness MD is a medical practice located in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles. We provide personalized care that focuses on improving quality of life through the latest in minimally-invasive interventional radiology treatments. We emphasize one-on-one treatment and design personalized care plans for each patient. We utilize IR treatments for PCS, PAD, spider veins and varicose veins, and uterine fibroids.
Who is Dr. Ali Golshan?
Ali Golshan, MD, is a double board-certified leading vascular expert who specializes in in-office, minimally-invasive interventional radiology treatments at Beach Wellness MD. Dr. Golshan devotes personalized attention to each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Golshan graduated summa cum laude as valedictorian from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a doctorate of medicine from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Golshan completed a residency in radiology at UCLA and a fellowship in interventional radiology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
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ABOUT DR. ALI GOLSHAN
Ali Golshan, MD, is a double board-certified leading vascular expert who specializes in in-office, minimally-invasive interventional radiology treatments at Beach Wellness MD. Dr. Golshan devotes personalized attention to each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Golshan graduated summa cum laude as valedictorian from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a Doctorate of Medicine from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Golshan completed a residency in radiology at UCLA and a fellowship in interventional radiology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
