Investigations | Interventional Radiology |
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Imaging (x-rays, ultrasound and CT) can be used by radiologists to guide certain invasive procedures; this subspecialty is called Interventional Radiology.
Intra –arterial angiogram/angioplasty/stenting
 These procedures are performed in the interventional suite at Royal Berkshire Hospital by Berkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologists.
Embolization (including uterine/fibroid)
Embolizations are performed in the interventional suite at Royal Berkshire Hospital by Berkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologists. You will discuss the procedure with a Consultant Radiologist and sign a consent form. Your blood test results will be checked. The procedures vary, but generally you will change into a gown, lie on the x-ray table and your pulse, blood pressure and oxygen level will be monitored. Intravenous sedation and painkiller will usually be given. The access site, usually the groin, will be cleaned and then numbed with local anaesthetic. Via the access site wires, tiny tubes (catheters) can be manipulated into the correct place using x-ray guidance. Small particles or other materials are then injected through these catheters to block the target blood vessels. Once the procedure is finished, you will be transferred to a recovery area for a period of monitoring and bed rest. Most patients are then transferred to the Dunedin or Capio Hospitals for a longer period of recovery.
Image guided biopsy and drainages
These procedures involve samples of tissue being removed (biopsy) from an organ (i.e. liver, lung, bone breast) or fluid being drained under image guidance by a Berkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologist.
Facet and other joint injections
A Berkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologist will use imaging to guide injection of drugs (for instance painkillers and/or steroids) into the appropriate joint. This is usually done using ultrasound or x-rays (at the Berkshire Independent and Dunedin Hospitals) or CT (at the Royal Berkshire Hospital). The procedures vary but often you will change into a gown and lie on a couch. The appropriate area is cleaned and then frozen with local anaesthetic. A fine needle will be guided into the correct place and the drugs injected. You can usually get up and leave straight away.  VertebroplastyBerkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologists perform vertebroplasty at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Medical cement is injected into the vertebral body to stabilise the bone and relieve pain, for example to treat collapsed vertebrae. This is done under local anaesthetic with intravenous painkiller. Small needles are inserted through the skin and placed in the vertebral body using x-ray guidance. A variable period of recovery is needed, but vertebroplasty can often be performed as a “day case”.
Renal stone extraction and other urological intervention
Under general anaesthetic, certain kidney stones can be removed though a small hole in the back. This is performed in the Interventional Suite at the Royal Berkshire Hospital by Berkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologists and Urological Surgeons working together. Other urological procedures include ultrasound guided kidney biopsy, drainage of blocked kidneys (nephrostomy) and insertion of plastic tubes allowing drainage of urine from the kidney into the bladder (antegrade ureteric stent insertion).
Central venous line insertion
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Central venous access devices are used to give drugs (including antibiotics and chemotherapy), fluids and intravenous nutrition and to take blood samples. They are inserted by Berkshire Imaging Consultant Radiologists at the Dunedin Hospital.