Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical subspecialty that performs various minimally-invasive procedures using medical imaging guidance such as x-ray fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound.
IR procedures provide direct treatment and include catheter-based delivery of medicine, placement of medical devices (e.g. stent), and angioplasty of narrowed structures. The main benefits of interventional radiology techniques are that they can reach the deep structures of the body through the tiny incision using small needles and wires which, overall, decreases the risks, pain, and recovery when compared to open procedures.