Interventional radiology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Interventional radiology (IR) uses minimally invasive techniques with imaging guidance to diagnose and treat disease. 

We use use x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans and sometimes MRI, to diagnose disease and treat many conditions without the need for surgery. This is done by making cuts in the skin and inserting small needles and catheters into the body using imaging guidance. 

We see approximately 1000-1100 patients per year.

The service is equipped with a biplane angiography unit, and a high-end ultrasonography unit in a dedicated angiography suite, in addition to access to a 64-slice CT scanner for CT-guided interventions, and a fluoroscopic unit for II guided procedures.

Our staff includes experienced specialist paediatric IR consultants, dedicated paediatric angiographers, a full-time IR CNS, and additional nursing staff with experience in paediatric image-guided procedural nursing assistance, while regular anaesthetic services are provided by perioperative service.

The IR service runs regular clinics for pre- and postoperative assessment of children referred to the service for procedures. We also have a dedicated vascular birthmarks program.

We perform procedures such as:

• Image-guided biopsies
• Drainage of fluid collections
• Central venous access placement
• Angiography and angioplasty
• Embolisation procedures
• Cholnagiography and biliary drainage
• Urological drainage procedures incl nephrostomy and ureteric stent insertion
• Gastrointestinal access – placement and maintenance of gastrojejunal feeding tubes
• Management of post-surgical and post-transplant complications
• Diagnosis and management of vascular birthmarks and vascular anomalies