Interventional Radiology

Author(s):
Hong Kuan Kok, MB BCh BAO, BMedSci, MRCPI, MRCP(UK) Department of Radiology

Tallaght Hospital
Dublin, Ireland

Darragh Halpenny, MB BCh BAO, MRCPI, FFRRCSI Department of Radiology

Tallaght Hospital
Dublin, Ireland

William C. Torreggiani, MB BCh BAO, MRCPI, FFRRCSI, FRCR Department of Radiology

Tallaght Hospital
Dublin, Ireland

Original Publication:
October 2, 2014

Abstract

Interventional radiology techniques are used to treat a wide variety of diseases in a minimally invasive fashion. Although the risk of infection during these procedures is generally reduced when compared with their surgical equivalents, the potential for infectious complications is ever-present in the intervention room. As the specialty has developed, increasing emphasis has been placed on the importance of infection prevention. To this end, improved sterile technique in the periprocedure period, purpose-built interventional departments modeled on the operating room, prophylactic antibiotics for interventional procedures, the widespread adoption of universal precautions, and improved interventional technology have all enhanced infection prevention concepts and practices in this field. This chapter contains a detailed discussion of these topics, and provides information on the infectious complications of specific interventional techniques.