Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology (IR) is a term used to describe minimally invasive procedures, performed using image guidance and accessed through natural body orifices (e.g. the airways or urinary system) or blood vessels. Most often, these procedures are performed using fluoroscopic guidance, but a combination of endoscopy, ultrasound and fluoroscopy are sometimes used, with high-quality rendered CT scans involved in planning and assessment. On occasion, hybrid procedures (including the combined use of fluoroscopy and open surgery) are also performed.

This discipline truly draws together expertise from across the whole hospital, such as Cardiology and Soft Tissue Surgery, with support from the Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Critical Care and Anaesthesia services. Procedures performed using IR have the advantage of a shorter hospitalisation time than open surgery, and generally have a lower risk of morbidity or mortality, leading to a more predictable clinical and financial outcome for owners. Some diseases where previously no good treatment existed can now be offered hope with IR, such as providing intra-arterial chemotherapy for inoperable tumours, or pulmonary artery stents for dogs with pulmonic stenosis and aberrant coronary artery anatomy.

This discipline truly draws together expertise from across the whole hospital, such as Cardiology and Soft Tissue Surgery, with support from the Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Critical Care and Anaesthesia services. Procedures performed using IR have the advantage of a shorter hospitalisation time than open surgery, and generally have a lower risk of morbidity or mortality, leading to a more predictable clinical and financial outcome for owners. Some diseases where previously no good treatment existed can now be offered hope with IR, such as providing intra-arterial chemotherapy for inoperable tumours, or pulmonary artery stents for dogs with pulmonic stenosis and aberrant coronary artery anatomy.

As one of the only centres in the UK to offer the full spectrum of interventional procedures (including hybrid procedures), our uniquely experienced IR team can offer the following interventions.

Cardiac Interventions – patent ductus arteriosus, valve stenosis and cardiac neoplasia

Vascular Procedures – relief of obstruction caused by neoplasia or thrombosis, closure of arteriovenous malformations and portosystemic shunt attenuation and intra-arterial chemotherapy for hepatic, prostatic and nasal tumours, amongst others

Respiratory Interventions – tracheal or bronchial stenting

Urinary interventions – subcutaneous ureteral bypass devices, urethral stents for lower urinary obstructions and ectopic ureter lasering

For case examples, see our Case Reports section. If you would like to discuss a case or for an estimate of costs, please email us at IRteam@langfordvets.co.uk.

Pet owners need to be referred by their primary care vet