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Interventional Radiology Cochin›Definition of interventional radiology
Medical encyclopedia · Cochin AP-HP

Interventional radiology: definition, role and procedures performed at Cochin

Understand what interventional radiology is, its fields of application, its advantages over surgery and the procedures performed at Cochin Hospital AP-HP · Pr Anthony Dohan · Updated April 2026

Quick answer

Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging techniques (CT, ultrasound, MRI, fluoroscopy) to perform therapeutic procedures guided in real time, without surgical opening, most often as a day case.

What is interventional radiology?

Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses imaging techniques (CT, ultrasound, MRI, fluoroscopy) to perform therapeutic procedures guided in real time, without the need for major surgical opening.

The interventional radiologist works in a room equipped with a C-arm (angiography unit) or a CT scanner, sometimes both (hybrid angio-CT room), using miniaturised instruments (needles, catheters, microspheres) that make it possible to reach organs through natural routes (arteries, veins) or through micro-incisions in the skin (2-3 mm).

Fields of intervention

  • Interventional oncology: TACE, Y90 radioembolization, percutaneous ablation (RF, microwave, cryoablation)
  • Gynaecology: embolization of fibroids and pelvic varices, cryoablation of endometriosis
  • Urology / andrology: prostate embolization, varicocele, erectile dysfunction
  • Rheumatology / musculoskeletal: joint embolization (knee, shoulder), vertebroplasty, osteoid osteoma
  • Endocrinology: radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules
  • Biliary and digestive tract: biliary drainage, TIPS, gastrostomy
  • Venous access: PICC line, Port-a-Cath, IVC filter
CriterionInterventional radiologyTraditional surgery
AnaesthesiaLocal +/- sedationGeneral or spinal anaesthesia
Incision2-3 mm (puncture)Several cm
Hospital stay0 to 2 nights3 to 7 days or more
Recovery2 to 10 days2 to 8 weeks
ScarAlmost invisibleVisible (linear)
ComplicationsLess frequentMore frequent on average
At Cochin AP-HP: one of the most active teams in France
The Interventional Radiology Department of Cochin Hospital AP-HP, directed by Pr Anthony Dohan (PU-PH), is a reference centre for gynaecological, oncological and musculoskeletal IR. It has a unique hybrid angio-CT room (CT guidance + high-resolution CT), allowing complex procedures under multimodal guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is interventional radiology reimbursed?
Yes. The great majority of interventional radiology procedures are covered by French national health insurance. At Cochin Hospital AP-HP (public sector), there are no extra fees.
Does it hurt during an interventional radiology procedure?
Procedures are performed under local anaesthesia +/- conscious sedation. Pain during the procedure is minimal. Pain after the procedure, lasting from a few hours to a few days, may occur depending on the procedure, and is anticipated by a suitable pain-relief protocol.
Is a hospital stay needed for an interventional radiology procedure?
It depends on the procedure: some are performed as day cases (discharge the same day), others require 1 to 2 nights in hospital. Most never require more than 2 nights.
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Interventional Radiology Cochin AP-HP

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Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: July 2026.

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