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Pediatric Interventional Radiology This article was previously published in Pediatric Commentary Magazine at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Exciting growth is happening in the Radiology department of Arkansas Children's Hospital. Two pediatric interventional radiologists, a pediatric radiology fellow, two specialty nurses, and a fully staffed pediatric interventional radiology lab team are working together to implement many new innovative treatment techniques to complement previously established interventional radiology procedures.
Interventional radiology builds upon the basic components of diagnostic radiographic imaging, utilizing various forms of imaging to assist in the performance of therapeutic procedures. During a four-year radiology residency, anatomic compartments of the body and imaging appearance of numerous disease categories are learned via pattern recognition. The interventional radiologist ventures beyond the realm of diagnostic imaging into the arena of patient treatment. For the interventional radiologist, a year or more of additional training is obtained to learn image-guided techniques and to deliver primary consultant care of patients. To accomplish this objective, the interventionalist leaves the confines of the radiology reading room and ventures into patient care areas. Appropriate image guidance is planned (ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography) and a sedation plan formulated when needed. Introduction of small caliber equipment through a small skin incision is performed under imaging guidance. Following dilation over a guidewire, drainage tubes or angiographic catheters are introduced into the body to treat various conditions. Patient recovery following these procedures is usually prompt. Short- or long-term follow-up is arranged depending on the patient's disease entity.
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