March 27, 2024Since the launch of Northern Health’s in-house medical imaging service Northern Imaging Victoria (NIV) in October last year, we have expanded the scope and capacity of services provided. One of the key constituent services of NIV is our clinical arm – Interventional Radiology (IR). This has grown into a full clinical service delivered by a dedicated team of specialist medical, nursing and radiography staff.
The Interventional Radiology service is staffed by five Interventional Radiology consultants and a dedicated team of IR nurses and radiographers who are available 24/7 to manage acute emergencies, in addition to providing a comprehensive IR service during business hours.
“The IR team have expertise in managing a wide range of conditions including minimally invasive treatments for acute bleeding, cancer, vascular, liver and renal and neurovascular diseases. We are also unique in having expertise to treat both an adult and paediatric population,” said A/Prof Terry Kok, Director of Imaging Services and Head of Interventional Radiology, Northern Health.
The IR service development also includes recent refurbishment of the angiography suite in the Radiology department with a new state-of-the-art Philips Azurion angiography system, and plans for installation of a second angiography suite later in 2024. Recent highlights have included the availability of tumour ablation and radioembolization (SIRT- Selective internal radiation therapy) for cancers and TIPS (Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) insertion for portal hypertension in chronic liver disease.
Regular IR clinics have already commenced, offering the convenience of a one-stop-shop for patients encompassing consultation with a specialist, on-site imaging, as well as treatment and follow-up discussions. The IR team are also available daily for consults on the ward, as well as imaging review, and are always happy to assist and provide advice to all Northern Health clinicians.
The team are located in the main Radiology department and contactable in person or via the IR on-call service (after hours via switchboard).
Pictured in the featured image: The Interventional Radiology team.
