Interventional Procedures

The Interventional Procedures team comprises specialised nurses, cardiologists, radiologists and radiographers. We provide a high standard of imaging and care, using low radiation doses and dedicated paediatric specific protocols.

Located on Level 3 within the Operating Theatres complex, PCH’s interventional radiology suites feature the most advanced technologies designed specifically for paediatric patients.

Our proximity to the theatre complex allows access to surgical and anaesthetic services in a safe and sterile environment. We have two interventional rooms equipped with the Siemens Artis Q.zen (biplane) and Zeego (single plane) imaging systems.

We offer a comprehensive range of interventional radiology procedures and our highly trained team uses tools and imaging techniques specially equipped and modified for your child.

All interventional procedure bookings need to be discussed with a radiologist before a booking can be made.

An interventional procedure is a minimally invasive diagnostic, therapeutic or biopsy procedure.

A radiologist performs interventional procedures using radiological imaging guidance in the form of x-ray, ultrasound or CT to guide or target the examination by navigating through or around the body with instruments under live imaging control.

Interventional radiological procedures are less invasive than open surgery and are often performed as day cases.

Your child’s interventional procedure may require one or more of the following types of radiological imaging guidance:  

• Angiography unit – used for cardiac and radiological interventional procedures. The advantage of an angiography unit is that the interventional radiologist is able to see what is happening inside the body in real time. This unit uses low dose x-rays and often contrast media (iodine) or dye to outline the blood vessels. With this technique, the radiologist can follow the path of blood flow through vessels to help reach and treat the precise location of a disease or malformation.
• Ultrasound procedures – including biopsies, drainages and short term treatment options (for example, percutaneous nephrostomies which is the placement of a small, flexible rubber tube or catheter through the skin into the kidney to drain urine).
• CT– an x-ray that produces three dimensional images. The interventional radiologist is able to target the area of treatment and avoid the surrounding organs.

As many patients require a general anaesthetic for interventional procedures, arrangements may need to be made with PCH’s Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine department when your child’s procedure is booked. Our staff will help you with this.

What you need to do before your child’s examination will be explained to you when you book your appointment.

If you are unsure about the instructions you are given or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the department before your child’s examination.

The interventional radiologist who performs the procedure will look at the images and write a report.

We are committed to ensuring that your child receives the smallest radiation dose required to obtain the desired result. Although the procedure will expose your child to a small amount of radiation, your doctor considers that the benefit to your child’s health outweighs the potential radiation risk.

The PCH Interventional radiology team offer an alternative to invasive surgery and perform a comprehensive range of minimally invasive procedures of both diagnostic and therapeutic nature.