Radiology and Imageology

At KIMS-Arete Hospital, compassionate care meets excellence. Imbibing a holistic approach, the Interventional Radiology Department, rooted in a centred methodology, excels in diagnosing and addressing a range of health conditions. KIMS-Arete Hospital cherry picks the best interventional radiologists who demonstrate not just the academic skill from their medical school but also integrate the skill of adapting and integrating the ever-changing Intervention Techniques in Radiology, through their years of practice.

Exceptionally skilled in interventional neuroradiology, our interventional radiologists also treat cases arising from neurovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, pulmonary, nephro-urological, obstetrics and gynaecological, orthopaedics, peripheral, and non-vascular diseases. 

Skilled in adapting cutting-edge imaging technologies such as X-ray, CT, and ultrasound, the interventional radiologists at KIMS-Arete Hospital perform precise navigation within the patient’s body. We perform essential medical interventions like angiography, angioplasty, embolization, stent placement, biopsy, injection of clot-dissolving medicines, and catheter insertions, demonstrating a commitment to delivering advanced care. 

These procedures are done through pinhole minimally invasive treatments in which needles, wires, catheters, etc are used. Through interventional radiology, open or conventional surgeries are avoided, thus reducing morbidity and prolonged hospitalisation.

Living up to the motto of "mindful beyond medicine," the Best Interventional Radiology Hyderabad - KIMS-Arete Hospital offers a seamless healthcare journey with private rooms, premium lounge spaces, and dedicated healthcare professionals. Our facility is technologically prepared, featuring ultra-sophisticated equipment, setting a benchmark of excellence. We provide personalised care in a user-friendly environment with enhanced efficiency and improved patient experiences. We extend holistic support on your journey to recovery, providing warmth at every touchpoint.

• Stroke: This medical emergency is one of the most common causes of death and long-term disability. Most commonly, neuronal death in stroke occurs within minutes of oxygen deprivation. The treatment requires early recognition of symptoms and stabilization.[BM1.1]
• Vascular Brain Aneurysms: Aneurysm is an abnormal bulge that occurred due to a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel causing abnormal widening or ballooning. 
• Arteriovenous malformations of the brain and spine: Abnormal fistulas that are formed between the arteries and veins. High arterial blood flow directly into venous structures can disrupt the venous walls and ultimately cause fatal haemorrhage in the brain.[BM2.1]
• Carotid Arterial stenosis: This condition of narrowed arteries results in reduced blood flow to the said organ, causing necrosis (tissue death). To widen them, stents are used. Carotid arteries transferring blood from the heart to the brain may require carotid stenting in case of carotid stenosis. A contrast agent is injected into the artery, which can be visualised through X-ray imaging, serves as the guidance of stent placement. 

• Gastrointestinal bleeding (Gl Bleeds): Gastrointestinal bleeding is characterised by loss of blood from any of the several gastrointestinal organs in the digestive system, such as the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, etc. 
• Gastrointestinal Aneurysms: Pressure on the weakened section of an artery wall causing a bulge is called aneurysm. When these aneurysms are formed in the gastrointestinal section, they could be treated with interventional radiology. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs within the part of the aorta that runs through torso.
• Pseudoaneurysms: These potentially life-threatening lesions are commonly due to inflammation or trauma (accident) and have a higher risk of rupture than true aneurysms. The visceral artery pseudoaneurysms can rarely cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroduodenal pseudoaneurysm can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and affect the pancreatic duct too.[BM3.1]
• Cirrhosis: This severe scarring of the liver is a serious condition which could be seen due to various forms of liver diseases. The associated portal hypertension can be treated by an interventional radiologist through the placement of peritoneovenous shunts and tunnelled peritoneal drains, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), etc.[BM4.1]
• Liver abscess: A pus-filled tissue development within the liver which can have various causes such as liver injury, infections, parasite infestation intra-abdominal infection etc. Percutaneous catheter drainage is the commonly used treatment. 
• Pancreatic collections: Also called pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), these are commonly seen as complication of pancreatitis. At least 50% of pancreatitis cases can develop pancreatic collections. The 2 main types are pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). Each of these fluid collections can be either sterile or infected. 
• Ascites:  Fluid accumulation within the peritoneal cavity, which is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis. Ascitic tap could be useful in such cases. [BM5.1]
• Blockage of bile: Bile is a digestive juice necessary to digest fats. It is produced in the liver and is stored in the gall bladder. It is released into the duodenum (first part of small intestine) through the common bile duct. Any blockage in bile duct can result in jaundice, liver inflammation, etc. Blockages in bile duct can be seen with various diseases, such as gallstones stuck in the bile duct, choledochal cysts, bile duct strictures, etc.[BM6.1] Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) may be necessary to treat the condition. 

Peripheral Vascular & Venous conditions that require interventional radiology treatment

• Claudication: The sharp pain that commonly occurs in the thigh, calf, or buttocks during intense walking, running, etc, is claudication. In extreme cases, it can make the individual limp and could be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow into legs due to narrowing or blockage of arteries). Lower limb arterial angioplasty can help reduce claudication. [BM7.1]
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):  The formation of blood clots within the veins, usually seen in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis in the lungs is called pulmonary embolism (PE). It can cut off the blood flow to the lungs. Interventional radiologists may use special devices that can be placed directly into the vein to suction the clot. [BM8.1]
• Varicose veins: Enlarged veins characterised by weakened walls and impaired valves. It is usually seen in legs under the skin with purple bulges. Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure to treat varicose veins. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat up the damaged vein wall, thus closing it, through the guidance of ultrasound imaging.

Oncological conditions that require interventional radiology treatment

• Cancer detection & treatment: Conformation for most cancers requires a biopsy, a diagnostic test which requires the extraction of a sample from the suspected cancer portion. In cases occurring deep in the body, interventional radiology is routinely used. Image guided liver biopsy is one such interventional radiology technique which uses imaging methods such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) to guide the needle into the cancer effected liver area. Coming to treatment, the interventional radiologists may use procedures such as ablation (burning or freezing a tumour), embolization (cutting off a tumour’s blood supply), or irreversible electroporation (punching holes in tumours with electric currents) to treat cancer. 

Pulmonary conditions that require interventional radiology interventions

• Haemoptysis: Haemoptysis is the condition of patients coughing up blood. The diagnosis of haemoptysis must be quick, as it could be a serious underlying cause. In 90% of cases the bronchial arteries could be the source of bleeding as branches of the descending thoracic aorta are usually subjected to the systemic hypertension (blood pressure. 
• Pleural effusions: Abnormal accumulation of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. If not treated in time it could cause lung damage, lung infection, pneumothorax, etc. Thoracentesis (pleural tap) is a procedure to remove fluid from the cavity. Ultrasound imaging is necessary to place the cannula under local anaesthesia. 

Obstetric and gynaecological conditions that require interventional radiology interventions 

• Uterine fibroids: These harmless growths (non-cancerous) in the uterus or womb commonly occur in fertile women and cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, etc. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a way to treat the ailment by blocking the blood flow to the fibroids thus reducing the fibroid size. This procedure requires a dye to be injected into the bloodstream which can be visualised through X-ray imaging. 
• Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH): Postpartum haemorrhage a serious condition of excessive bleeding to the mother that occurs immediately after childbirth. This is the leading cause of death of mothers around the world and can have multiple causes. Identifying high risk cases of postpartum haemorrhage is necessary for the implementation of effective clinical management. One of the common interventional radiologic techniques employed is the resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA).

Other miscellaneous conditions that require interventional radiology interventions

• Bursitis:  This painful swelling condition is characterised by inflammation around soft tissues of the joints (bursa), usually seen around the shoulders, elbows, knees and feet etc. In such cases for a quick relief bursal injection might be necessary. Ultrasound is most often used to guide the placement of a needle.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: One of the most common entrapment neuropathies, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs with the compression of median nerve in the wrist. It reduces work productivity, increases disability, and requires prolonged rehabilitation. In recent years, ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel syndrome injection therapy has become an established treatment option for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Urinary tract obstruction:  When the urinary tract is blocked, it inhibits the natural flow of urine through the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). In such cases, a nephrostomy bag may be incorporated, which drains urine directly from the kidneys, bypassing the entire tract. The collected urine can be emptied externally. Ultrasound and/or X-ray images are used to guide the placement of a nephrostomy. 

Key Interventional Radiology Subspecialties

Neurological Interventions

• Diagnostic Cerebral and Spinal Angiograms: KIMS-Arete Hospital introduces advanced Cerebral and Spinal Angiograms, utilising cutting-edge techniques with minimal X-ray exposure. Performed for diagnosing brain & spine vascular pathologies, contrast agents are injected into the blood vessels under X-ray in our advanced Cath Lab.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: Mechanical thrombectomy is performed by our skilled interventional neuroradiologists. This involves the precise removal of blood clots in acute ischemic stroke, caused by blockage of major blood vessels in the brain. 
• Aneurysm Treatment: Our interventional neuroradiologist treats the complex unruptured and ruptured brain & spine aneurysms by coiling and flow diverter placement techniques. Through a minimally invasive approach, a tiny puncture is made on patient’s hands or legs, making it a scarless and suture-less procedure, and ensuring a shorter hospital stay for our patients.
• Embolization: At our KIMS-Arete Hospital, we provide embolization procedure for various conditions, including brain & spine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), carotid body tumour, management of chronic subdural hematomas, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, and meningioma.
• Carotid Artery Stenting and Intracranial Vessel Stenting: Carotid artery and intracranial vessel stenting is a sophisticated procedure done by our experts for restoring the normal blood flow to narrowed/stenosed blood vessels in the neck & brain.
• Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling: We offer inferior petrosal sinus sampling, a procedure that involves evaluating the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels from the veins draining the pituitary gland. This assists our doctors in identifying the presence of a pituitary tumour.
• Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma: Multidisciplinary team at KIMS-Arete Hospital, including oncologists, neurointerventional radiologists, anaesthesiologists, and support staff, excels in intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma. In this procedure, chemotherapeutic drug is injected selectively into the blood vessels supplying the eyes. 

• Stenting: We perform hepatic artery, hepatic vein and portal vein stenting, and common bile duct (CBD) stenting to ensure optimal vascular and biliary tract function.
• Biopsy: We conduct percutaneous liver biopsy, transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB), and ultrasound or CT-guided liver biopsy for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases.
• Postoperative/Abnormal/Abscess Collections’ Drainage: At our KIMS-Arete Hospital, we perform percutaneous drainage of postoperative or abnormal collections, by using small and flexible catheters called pigtails which are placed under ultrasound and CT guidance, achieving high technical and clinical success.
• Embolization:  Executed by skilled interventional radiologists at KIMS-Arete Hospital, advanced embolization techniques involve the precise delivery of therapeutic agents or radiation, ensuring effective management of liver cancer, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE), or hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm.
• Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) are employed by our trained interventional radiologists for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), providing expert care to enhance the overall quality of life.
• Transjugular Intra-Hepatic Porto systemic Shunt (TIPSS): Prioritising overall wellness, the expert doctors at KIMS-Arete Hospital excel in the adept use of advanced percutaneous modalities like transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to address refractory variceal haemorrhage and refractory ascites secondary to raised portal venous pressures.
• Balloon Retrograde Transvenous Occlusion for Fundal varices (BRTO): Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is a minimally invasive Endovascular method utilised in KIMS-Arete Hospital for the treatment of gastric Varices.

Gastrointestinal Interventions

• Stenting: Our team of renowned healthcare professionals utilises advanced procedures, including superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Stenting, to tackle vascular concerns in the mesenteric artery.
• Embolization for Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: This focused approach effectively manages gastrointestinal bleeding by selectively closing the leaking or bleeding blood vessels supplying the digestive tract, exemplifying KIMS-Arete Hospital' commitment to cutting-edge procedures for superior patient outcomes.
• Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Management: KIMS-Arete Hospital excels in the specialised management of ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysms, employing advanced techniques. 

Pulmonary Interventions

Bronchial Artery Embolization:  We offer advanced embolization procedures, such as bronchial artery embolization for haemoptysis (coughing up blood) and endovascular embolization for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs/AVFs).

Peripheral Vascular Interventions

• Stenting: At KIMS-Arete Hospital, we perform lower limb arterial angioplasty & stenting, subclavian artery stenting, and aortic stent graft placement for aortic aneurysms and dissection, ensuring precise care for patients.
• Varicose Vein Treatment: At KIMS-Arete Hospital, we treat varicose veins by utilising methods such as laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and glue therapy.
• Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Placement: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement requires extensive experience and skills. This focused and seamless procedure is designed to actively protect against the risk of blood clots reaching the lungs and heart in deep vein thrombosis patients, ensuring a reduced chance of Pulmonary Embolism, and enhancing holistic healthcare.
• Percutaneous Sclerotherapy: At KIMS-Arete Hospital, low-flow vascular/lymphatic malformations are effectively managed by sclerotherapy.

Nephro-Urological Interventions

• Embolization: Nephro-Urological Interventions like renal artery pseudoaneurysm embolization, prostate artery embolization, gonadal vein embolization, and preoperative embolization are done by our expert interventional radiologists.
• Percutaneous Nephrostomy: This minimally invasive technique is done under X-ray or ultrasound guidance for the management of conditions such as urinary obstruction, significant hydronephrosis, and large kidney stones.
• Renal Biopsy: Performed under ultrasound guidance by our skilled interventional radiologists to diagnose kidney diseases, and to monitor the well-being of transplanted kidneys, ensuring your health is at the forefront of care.
• Renal Artery Stenting: In this procedure, a stent is placed across the narrowed renal artery to facilitate normal blood flow. This crucial procedure aims to preserve kidney health, alleviate high blood pressure, and prevent additional strain on the heart, ensuring overall well-being.
• Tunnelled Catheter Placement for Dialysis Access: We provide comprehensive management of chronic kidney disease, prioritising patient well-being, offering compassionate care through tunnelled catheter placement for dialysis access. This patient-centric approach provides a long-term solution, ensuring personalised support for parenteral nutrition, fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, chemotherapy, and haemodialysis. 

Obstetrics and Gynaecology Interventions

• Uterine Artery Embolization: Interventional radiologists at KIMS-Arete Hospital work closely with the gynaecology department to deliver embolization procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization, uterine artery embolization for adenomyosis, endovascular embolization for uterine arteriovenous malformations and fistulas (AVM/AVF), and ovarian vein embolization for pelvic congestion syndrome, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients dealing with these specific conditions.  

Orthopaedic Interventions

• Vertebroplasty: Utilising continuous X-ray guidance, our interventional radiologist injects specialised cement into a fractured vertebra to alleviate spinal pain and restore mobility.
• Embolization: At KIMS-Arete Hospital we offer advanced techniques, including genicular artery embolization for osteoarthritis, to reduce knee pain as well as vertebral body haemangioma embolization.
• Genicular Nerve Block in Osteoarthritis: A genicular nerve block is performed by our interventional radiologists for osteoarthritis to provide short-term pain relief.
• Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of Osteoid Osteoma: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is done under CT guidance by our experts to reduce pain.

• Very Minimal Blood Loss: Open surgeries often result in higher chances of blood loss and infection when compared to interventional radiology. Also, interventional radiology risks are very low when compared to open surgery. 
• No suture or no scar: Various interventional radiology procedures are usually executed through small punctures (minimally invasive procedures) reducing the need of suturing. When the incisions are tiny, they often leave minimal scarring or visible scarring at all, thus preferring better aesthetic outcomes when compared to open surgery.
• Natural orifices: The doctrine of "do no harm" is particularly relevant in the context of interventional radiology which is evident in the execution. Through medical imaging, the catheters are guided into the body’s natural orifices and routes rather than cutting open the part for procedures. There are various interventional radiology procedures which can be done in an outpatient setting but for an open surgery to produce the same result, it may require multidisciplinary collaboration. 
• Faster recovery: Patients undergoing interventional radiology typically recover quickly without complications when compared with surgeries.