[Interventional radiology in minimally invasive treatments]

Interventional radiology (IR) is a fast expanding field which includes vascular (arterial and venous) as well as non-vascular topics. IR is minimally invasive methods, which are performed under guidance of radiological modalities. The methods are in general patient-friendly and organ-sparing procedures and can often be performed on out-patient basis or with short admission to the hospital and with short reconvalescence and economic advantages compared with corresponding surgical treatments. IR has in some cases substituted former surgical procedures. Technological development has facilitated increasing IR treatment offers and indications, and there is a high level of evidence for many of the offers.