What is interventional radiology? Interventional radiologists are involved in the treatment of the patient, as well as the diagnosis of disease. They treat an ever-widening range of conditions inside the body from outside the body by inserting various small instruments or tools, such as catheters or wires, with the use of various x-ray and imaging techniques (i.e., CT scanners, MRI scanners, ultrasound scanners). Interventional radiology offers an alternative to the surgical treatment of many conditions and can eliminate the need for hospitalization, in some cases. Who is the interventional radiologist? The interventional radiologist is a medical doctor who has completed four years of study in radiology. The interventional radiologist is then eligible to take the board examination given by the American Board of Radiology. Following board certification, the interventional radiologist completes an interventional radiology fellowship training program. Today, there are more than 5,000 interventional radiologists in the US, mainly practicing in academic medical centers and in larger community hospitals. Interventional radiologists work closely with other physicians and play an important role on the treatment team. 
At the Medical University of South Carolina, we are part of the Heart and Vascular Center and the Department of Radiology. We provide state-of-of the-art diagnostic and interventional radiology services in a timely and cost effective manner for our patients and do research to develop new technologies for the future.
Interventional radiology can be defined as a specialty where trained radiologists use various imaging techniques and modalities to guide percutaneous minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The procedures are called percutaneous procedures because, as opposed to surgery, they are done through the skin using a needle stick or a small cut down technique. The procedures are usually simpler and safer, less traumatic, less painful, less invasive and in general as effective, and more cost-effective than comparable open surgical procedures. The Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology is directed by Renan Uflacker, MD, MSc, Professor of Radiology. | 
