Interventional Radiology

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?

Our interventional radiology unit successfully treats vascular and non-vascular diseases affecting many different parts of the body from head to toe. For elderly patients or those with chronic illnesses who cannot undergo open surgery, this department provides a life-saving and safe alternative.

• Artery and vein narrowings, blockages, or aneurysms (ballooning of the blood vessel).
• Diabetic foot ulcers and leg pain caused by vascular blockages.
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism.
• Cysts or abscesses in the kidneys, liver, and other organs.
• Uterine fibroids and pelvic congestion syndrome.
• Varicocele in men.
• Cancerous tissues in various organs, primarily the liver.
• Fistula blockages causing malfunction in dialysis patients.

Diagnostic Methods

The first step to the right treatment is a precise and clear diagnosis of the disease. Interventional radiology offers methods considered the gold standard, especially for determining whether suspicious masses are benign or malignant. Standing out among hospitals performing tru-cut biopsies in and around Istanbul, our center conducts all diagnostic procedures using high-resolution equipment.

• Biopsy Procedures: This involves taking tissue or fluid samples from suspicious areas in the body using a needle. Different techniques such as fine-needle aspiration biopsy, core needle (tru-cut) biopsy, punch, and brush biopsy are applied. Since the target area is viewed on a screen in real-time during the procedure, surrounding tissues are not harmed.
• Tumor Marking: Especially before breast surgery, wire or special materials are used to mark the exact location of suspicious masses planned for surgical removal.
• Diagnostic Angiography (DSA): This is the process of mapping the arteries and veins in all parts of the body in detail, including the brain vessels.

Procedures Performed

The therapeutic procedures performed in our interventional radiology unit are divided into three main categories, prioritizing patient comfort. Most of these procedures are performed under local anesthesia, with the patient awake and only the procedure area numbed.

Endovascular (Vascular) Procedures

Endovascular procedures focus on resolving issues in the blood vessels that supply blood flow to the body. Blood flow is restored by applying balloon or stent treatments to narrowed arteries. Similarly, blood clots in leg veins (deep vein thrombosis) are treated with minimally invasive angiography. Placing a protective filter to prevent the clot from traveling to the lungs is also one of the vital procedures in this group.

Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment: Leg varicose veins, common in society, can be treated for medical necessity or cosmetic reasons. With the non-surgical varicose vein treatment applied in our clinic, enlarged veins are closed using methods like laser, radiofrequency, or foam therapy. The patient can walk home the same day. During this process, a multidisciplinary approach is taken with our Cardiovascular Surgery department.

Non-Vascular Procedures

Non-vascular procedures generally cover issues such as draining fluids accumulated in organs, treating cysts, or pain management. Drainage (catheter) applications are performed for abscesses, cysts, or blockages in the bile ducts. Additionally, nephrostomy or double J stent procedures are successfully applied for blockages in the urinary tract.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Uterine fibroids, which are common in women and can cause severe bleeding, can be treated without the need for surgery. As a reliable center for uterine fibroid embolization in Istanbul, our hospital ensures the shrinkage of the fibroid by blocking the vessels feeding it under angiographic guidance. This treatment is planned in collaboration with our Gynecology and Obstetrics specialists.

Interventional Oncology

In addition to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, interventional oncology applications are gaining increasing importance in cancer treatment. Minimally invasive treatments directly targeting the tumor are applied, especially for primary liver cancers or tumors that have spread to the liver from other organs (metastasis).

The process of burning cancerous tissue (ablation) using radiofrequency or microwave energy aims to destroy the tumor while protecting the surrounding healthy tissues. Furthermore, advanced treatments such as delivering chemotherapy drugs directly into the vessels feeding the tumor (chemoembolization) or administering radioactive substances (radioembolization) are carried out in coordination with our Medical Oncology team.

Technology and Team

At BHT CLINIC Istanbul Tema Hospital, we use the most up-to-date medical technologies in our diagnosis and treatment processes. Our interventional radiology unit is equipped with advanced angiography devices and high-resolution ultrasonography systems that enable even millimeter-sized vessels to be imaged clearly.

Procedures are performed by experienced interventional radiology doctors who are not only radiology specialists but have also received special training in this field. Our expert medical staff closely follows innovative techniques to provide reliable healthcare services at international quality standards. The safety and comfort of our patients are our highest priority throughout the entire process.

When Should You Visit?

Although interventional radiology is typically a specialty involved through referrals from other branch physicians, you can seek direct support from our department if you experience the following symptoms or conditions:

• If you have prominent varicose veins in your legs causing pain or cramps.
• If you have non-healing wounds on your feet due to diabetes or vascular blockages.
• If a suspicious mass requiring a biopsy was detected during an ultrasound or CT scan.
• If you have excessive bleeding complaints due to uterine fibroids and do not want your uterus removed.
• If a blockage or malfunction has occurred in your dialysis fistula.
• If you need a nerve block for unbearable abdominal or limb pain related to cancer.

Appointment and Consultation Process

The consultation and treatment process in our interventional radiology department is planned to respond to our patients' needs as quickly as possible. Having your previous blood tests, ultrasound, CT, or MRI imaging reports with you during your visit will help the process move faster.

After reviewing your current tests, our physician will explain the most suitable treatment or biopsy plan for you in detail. All your questions regarding pre-procedure preparation, how the procedure will be performed, and the follow-up process will be answered transparently. To step into a more comfortable and non-surgical treatment process, you can contact us immediately via our appointment page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interventional Radiology

Are interventional radiology procedures painful?

Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia (numbing the area) and are mostly painless. When necessary, relaxing medications are administered intravenously to keep your comfort at the highest level.

How long do interventional radiology procedures take?

The duration of the procedure varies depending on the treatment or diagnostic method to be applied. While a simple biopsy or drainage procedure takes 15-30 minutes, endovascular treatments or oncological procedures can take about 1-2 hours.

Is it necessary to stay in the hospital?

The majority of interventional radiology applications are outpatient procedures. Patients are usually discharged and can return home on the same day after a reasonable observation period of a few hours on the day of the procedure.

Is non-surgical varicose vein treatment permanent?

Non-surgical varicose vein treatments performed under imaging guidance have a very high success rate. The probability of the treated vein causing problems again is very low, providing permanent relief.

When can I return to normal life after the procedure?

Since there are no large surgical incisions, the recovery process is very fast. Most of our patients can easily return to their daily routines and work life within one or two days after the procedure.