Minimally invasive procedures in radiology are primarily performed by which specialist?

Minimally invasive procedures in radiology are primarily performed by interventional radiologists. This specialization focuses on using imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures. These procedures may include the placement of catheters, drainage of abscesses, embolization of tumors, and other techniques designed to treat conditions with reduced risk compared to traditional surgeries.

Interventional radiologists have extensive training in imaging modalities such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, which allows them to visualize internal structures and navigate instruments accurately. This expertise is what distinguishes them from other specialties in radiology. For instance, while radiation oncologists focus on the management of cancer patients using radiation therapy, diagnostic radiologists primarily interpret medical images to make diagnoses, and nuclear medicine physicians specialize in the use of radioactive materials for diagnostics and treatment. These other specialties do not typically engage in performing minimally invasive procedures to the extent that interventional radiologists do.