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About Interventional Radiology What is Interventional Radiology? Interventional Radiology is a rapidly growing area of medicine. Interventional Radiologists use imaging modalities to guide small devices, such as catheters, through blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin). Interventional procedures can often replace a surgical procedure. Since they are less invasive and less traumatic for the patient, they are more easily tolerated by the patients and recovery times are often significantly reduced. Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay. In most cases an Interventional procedure is more cost effective than comparable surgical procedures. Who are Interventional Radiologists? Interventional Radiologists are medical doctors who are specialized in performing medical procedures that involve imaging guidance. Radiologists use imaging equipment such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose disease. Interventional Radiologists are board certified radiologist that are fellowship trained in percutaneous interventions using guided imaging. Their specialized training is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The History of Interventional Radiology: The improved ability to see inside the body with the use of radiologic imaging and the development of tools such as balloon catheters, gave rise to interventional radiology (IR) in the mid-1970s. Interventional radiologists pioneered many minimally invasive procedures that are common place in medicine today. The specialty of IR is recognized as a medical specialty by the American Medical Association and there are currently more than 5,000 interventional radiologists in the United States. Austin Radiological Association has been providing the Central Texas community with interventional radiologists since the 1970s and continues to grow and expand its IR services. For more information about Austin Radiological Association, its services and locations, please visit http://www.ausrad.com.
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