Interventional procedures: best practice to avoid complications

Technological advances have allowed treatment of patients using interventional radiological imaging including the performance of multiple procedures in almost any vessel, eg, angioplasty, stenting, embolization, and coilings. Patients undergoing any procedure are at risk for complications because of contrast media, radiation exposure, vessel injury, and prolonged time in one position during the procedure. Diagnostic-only procedures minimize use of contrast medium and radiation time, and generally take about one hour to complete. On the other hand, interventional procedures can take several hours and require larger volumes of contrast medium and radiation, as well as increased time lying supine on a procedure table. This article will discuss several potential and known risks associated with interventional procedures, how to monitor for these risks, and evidence-based measures to prevent or minimize their occurrence.