Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of Radiology that utilises minimally invasive image guided procedures like tissue biopsies, drain placements and stent insertions to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. The concept behind interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques currently available to minimise risk to the patient and improve health outcomes. Using X-rays, CT, ultrasound, MRI and other imaging modalities, interventional radiologists obtain images used to direct interventional instruments throughout the body. These procedures are usually performed using needles and narrow tubes called catheters, rather than making large incisions into the body like traditional surgery.

Many conditions that were once treated by surgery can now be treated conservatively by Interventional Radiology. By minimising the physical trauma to the patient, peripheral interventional procedures can reduce infection rates and speed up recovery time, shortening hospital stays.