Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology

Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures are image-guided, minimally invasive treatments used for the diagnosis and management of various non-vascular conditions. These include Biopsy/FNAC, Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD), Percutaneous Catheter Cholecystostomy (PCC), Thyroid Nodule Ablation, and Parathyroid Nodule Ablation. These procedures help in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment with minimal pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery.

Biopsy/ FNAC

Biopsy and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) are minimally invasive procedures used to detect lumps, tumours, infections, or abnormal growths in various parts of the body. A tiny needle is used to collect tissue or cell samples for laboratory testing while being guided by an ultrasound or CT scan. These treatments are safe, accurate, and usually conducted without major surgery, allowing for early diagnosis and proper treatment planning with less pain and a faster recovery.

Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD)

Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD) is a minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology treatment that removes contaminated fluid, pus, or abnormal collections from the body. To securely drain the collection, a tiny tube (catheter) is introduced through the skin into the afflicted area under imaging guidance such as an ultrasound or CT scan. It is often used to treat abscesses, infected fluid collections, and post-operative infections. PCD alleviates pain, controls infection, avoids major surgery, and promotes a faster recovery with less discomfort.

Percutaneous Catheter Cholecystostomy (PCC)

Percutaneous Catheter Cholecystostomy (PCC) is a minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology treatment used to treat severe gallbladder infection or inflammation, particularly in individuals who are not candidates for urgent surgery. Using imaging guidance, a tiny tube is introduced through the skin into the gallbladder to drain contaminated fluid and relieve pressure. This therapy reduces pain, controls infection, and stabilizes the patient, resulting in faster recovery and less suffering.

Thyroid Nodule Ablation 

Thyroid nodule ablation is a minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) method that treats non-cancerous thyroid nodules without surgery. Heat energy is delivered with a small needle under imaging guidance to shrink the thyroid nodule and alleviate symptoms such as neck swelling, pain, difficulty swallowing, and cosmetic problems. This method helps to maintain normal thyroid function, avoids surgical scars, and allows for faster recovery with less pain and a shorter hospital stay.

Uterine Nodule Ablation

Uterine fibroid ablation is a minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) procedure that treats painful uterine fibroids without requiring surgery. A tiny needle is introduced into the fibroid under imaging guidance, and the aberrant tissue is destroyed using heat-based technologies like microwave or radiofrequency ablation. With less discomfort, less scarring, and a quicker recovery than standard surgery, this method can reduce fibroid growth, relieve symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain, and preserve the uterus.

Kidney Nodule Ablation

Kidney tumor ablation is a minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) procedure that treats tiny kidney tumors without requiring extensive surgery. A thin needle is carefully inserted into the tumor using imaging guidance, and energy based on heat or cold is delivered to kill the malignant tissue. This technique reduces discomfort, shortens hospital stays, and speeds up recovery while successfully treating the tumor and maintaining normal kidney function.

Lung Nodule Ablation

A minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) technique called lung tumor ablation is used to treat selected lung tumors without the need for open surgery. Under CT or ultrasound guidance, a thin probe is inserted into the tumor, and heat-based energy is used to destroy the abnormal cells. This treatment helps control tumor growth while preserving healthy lung tissue, providing a safe and effective option with less discomfort and faster recovery.

Liver Nodule Ablation

Liver tumor ablation is a minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) method that treats primary or metastatic liver tumors without requiring substantial surgery. A specialized needle is placed directly into the tumor using imaging guidance, and heat-based energy kills the malignant cells. Compared to traditional surgery, this method offers a quicker recovery period with fewer complications, helps restrict tumor growth, and preserves healthy liver tissue.

Parathyroid Nodule Ablation 

A minimally invasive Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) technique called parathyroid nodule ablation is used to treat aberrant or hyperactive parathyroid nodules without the need for surgery. A tiny needle is utilized to reduce or destroy the aberrant gland tissue using heat-based methods like radiofrequency or microwave ablation under imaging guidance. With less discomfort, less scarring, and a quicker recovery, this treatment helps manage symptoms associated with excessive calcium levels and excess parathyroid hormone without requiring major surgery.


Dr. Rishav Anand

Dr. Rishav Anand

Vascular & Interventional Radiologist MBBS, MD Radiology (SSKM Hospital, Kol.) FVIR (AIG Hospital, Hyderabad)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology (IR) comprises image-guided, minimally invasive treatments that are used to diagnose and treat a variety of disorders that do not involve blood vessels.

Infections, fluid accumulations, thyroid and parathyroid nodules, gallbladder issues, and illnesses requiring biopsy or drainage can all be treated with these treatments.

Thyroid nodule ablation, parathyroid nodule ablation, percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD), percutaneous catheter cholecystostomy (PCC), and biopsy/FNAC are common procedures.

The majority of treatments are carried out with little pain and discomfort utilizing local anaesthesia administered by a tiny needle or catheter. Compared to surgery, they typically require smaller incisions and a faster recovery.

The length of recovery varies depending on the surgery and the patient's condition, but most people recover fast and are able to resume their regular activities in a short amount of time.