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Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology encompasses CT and Ultrasound guided procedures that diagnose or treat a wide range of medical conditions. These procedures are considered effective, low-risk and minimally invasive. Injections can be used for targeted pain relief, biopsies are used to determine the nature of a mass or lesion, and other interventional procedures are used for therapeutic purposes.

What to Expect

Ultrasound and CT guided interventional procedures encompass a wide range of injections, biopsies and other therapeutic and diagnostic procedures which assist your referring practitioner in managing a condition or creating a treatment plan for a diagnosed issue.

Our technical staff and radiologists all provide the highest level of care and expertise when undergoing these procedures.

Please see below for information for some of the most commonly referred services that we provide.

Explore Procedures

Interventional Radiology Procedures

What is an Ultrasound Guided Injection?

An ultrasound guided joint injection is a non-surgical treatment used to relieve pain and allow improved mobility in the joint. It may involve injection of a corticosteroid in conjunction with a local anaesthetic to relieve pain and inflammation. In patients with joint injury or osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint to restore lubrication and function. Guided by imaging techniques for precision, this treatment helps reduce pain and improve function.

Before your appointment

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the joint being treated. 
  • Inform our clinic if you are on blood thinners, have a joint infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have any allergies to medications. 

During the Procedure

  • You will be positioned so the joint is easy to access
  • The area will be cleaned and sterilized
  • A cool gel will be applied to the skin, and an ultrasound probe will be used to visualise a path to the joint
  • A thin needle will be inserted into the joint 
  • The medication will be slowly injected
  • A bandage will be placed over the site
  • The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 mins

After the Procedure

  • You may feel relief right away (from the anaesthetic) or within a few days (from the steroid) 
  • You may have mild swelling or soreness – apply an ice pack for 15 – 20 minutes if needed. 
  • Limit heavy activity involving the joint for 24 -48 hours. 
  • Avoid soaking the injection site in water (e.g. pools or baths) for 24 hours. 

Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Worsening pain or swelling after 48 hours
  • Redness, warmth or pus at the injection site. 
  • Fever or chills
  • Numbness or tingling

Potential Risks (uncommon)

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Allergic reaction
  • Joint damage (with repeated steroid use)

What is an Ultrasound Guided Biopsy?

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples. Real-time ultrasound imaging is used to help guide a needle to an area where a tissue sample is needed.  The needle is then inserted into the tissue, and a small sample is taken for testing in a laboratory.

The procedure ensures precise needle placement, allowing for accurate tissue sampling. This diagnostic tool helps identify conditions such as cancer, cysts, or infections.

By obtaining a tissue sample, the doctor can determine whether a condition is benign or malignant and recommend the best course of treatment.

How is the Procedure Done?

Preparation:

  • You may be asked to fast (avoid eating or drinking) for a few hours before the procedure, depending on the area being biopsied.
  • You will be positioned comfortably, usually lying on an exam table, depending on the area to be biopsied.

Ultrasound Imaging:

  • A gel will be applied to the skin over the area where the biopsy will occur. This gel helps transmit sound waves to create clear images.
  • The ultrasound probe is moved over the area to visualize the tissue that needs to be sampled.

Biopsy Procedure:

  • Once the target area is located, a local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area.
  • A thin, needle is then inserted through the skin into the tissue. The needle is guided by the ultrasound images.
  • A small tissue sample is taken, and the needle is removed.
  • In some cases, the procedure may be repeated a few times to collect enough tissue

After the Procedure:

  • Pressure may be applied to the site to reduce any bleeding.
  • The biopsy sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where it will be examined by a pathologist to determine the nature of the tissue.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

  • Post-Procedure Care:
    • You may experience mild soreness, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site.
    • You will be advised to rest for a short period after the procedure.
  • Results:
    • Results from the biopsy are typically available in 3 to 7 days.
    • Please book a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss your results. 

Potential Risks and Complications?

While ultrasound-guided biopsies are generally safe, there are some potential risks, including:

  • Bleeding at the biopsy site.
  • Infection (although rare, an infection can occur at the biopsy site).
  • Pain or discomfort after the procedure.
  • Organ injury (very rare, but possible depending on the location of the biopsy).

If you experience any unusual symptoms after the biopsy, such as excessive pain, swelling, redness, fever, or if you notice blood in your urine, stool, or vomit, contact your doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the biopsy painful?
     Most patients report mild discomfort, but the area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic to minimize pain during the procedure. Some soreness or bruising may occur afterward.
  • How long will the procedure take?
     The biopsy usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the location and complexity of the biopsy.
  • Do I need to stop taking any medications before the biopsy?
     It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including blood thinners, as you may be advised to stop certain medications before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.

What is a CT Guided Facet Joint Injection?

A CT-guided facet joint injection is a procedure in which anti-inflammatory medication is injected into one or more facet joints in the spine. The injection is performed using CT (computed tomography) imaging to accurately guide the needle to the exact location. Facet joints are small joints between each vertebra in the spine. They help with movement and stability but can become painful due to arthritis, injury, or inflammation. Injecting steroid and local anaesthetic into a facet joint may confirm whether the facet joints are the source of your pain and in turn relieve that pain.

Before Your Procedure

Please inform our staff if you:

  • Are pregnant or may be pregnant
  • Take blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel (plavix), apixaban (eliquis), dabigatran (pradaxa), rivaroxaban (xarelto), enoxaparin (clexane) etc.
  • Have any allergies, especially to contrast dye or medications
  • Have a history of bleeding disorders or infection

During Your Procedure

  • You will lay on a CT table (usually face down or on your side).
  • The skin over your spine is cleaned and sterilized.
  • A numbing injection will be given at the skin surface.
  • Using CT imaging, the radiologist guides a thin needle into the targeted facet joint.
  • Medication is injected into the joint space.
  • The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes 

After your procedure

  • You may feel numbness or relief in the area for a few hours.
  • Full pain relief may take a few days as the steroid reduces inflammation.
  • Mild soreness at the injection site is common.

Aftercare Instructions

  • Use ice packs for soreness (15–20 minutes every few hours)
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry
  • Book a follow up appointment with your doctor

Contact your provider right away if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Fever, chills, or signs of infection
  • Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
  • Difficulty walking or controlling your bladder/bowels

Possible Risks

  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Nerve irritation or injury
  • Allergic reaction
  • Temporary increase in pain

What is a Nerve Root Injection?

A nerve root injection, (also referred to as periradicular injection), is a procedure used to treat nerve pain which originates in the back. Using CT guidance, a corticosteroid and anaesthetic are injected around the affected nerve root. This reduces inflammation around the nerve root, thereby relieving neuropathic (nerve) pain radiating to the buttock or leg. This minimally invasive treatment can determine if a specific nerve is causing your pain and if so, can provide effective, long-lasting relief.

Before Your Procedure

  • Arrange somebody to pick you up after your procedure

Please inform our staff if you:

  • Are pregnant or may be pregnant
  • Take blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel (plavix), apixaban (eliquis), dabigatran (pradaxa), rivaroxaban (xarelto), enoxaparin (clexane) etc.
  • Have any allergies, especially to contrast dye or medications
  • Have a history of bleeding disorders or infection

During Your Procedure

  • You will lay on a CT table (usually face down or on your side).
  • The skin over your spine is cleaned and sterilized.
  • A numbing injection will be given at the skin surface.
  • Using CT imaging, the radiologist guides a thin needle near the affected nerve root.
  • A small amount of contrast dye may be injected to confirm needle placement.
  • Medication is slowly injected.
  • The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes 

After Your Procedure

  • You may feel numbness or weakness in the leg temporarily immediately after the procedure, this is normal. You will need somebody to drive you home. 
  • Mild soreness at the injection site is common.
  • The local anesthetic may provide immediate relief, which wears off after a few hours.
  • The steroid may take 2 to 7 days to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Relief may last weeks to months depending on your condition

Aftercare instructions

  • Use ice packs for soreness (15–20 minutes every few hours)
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry
  • Keep track of your pain relief in the days following the injection
  • Book a follow up appointment with your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Fever, chills, or signs of infection
  • Numbness or weakness lasting more than a few hours
  • Difficulty walking or controlling your bladder/bowels (call immediately or present to emergency)

Possible Risks

  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Nerve irritation or injury
  • Allergic reaction
  • Temporary increase in pain
  • temporary numbness or weakness

What is an Epidural Injection?

An epidural injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation in the spine. Guided by imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy or CT, the injection delivers medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord. It is commonly used to treat conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.

Why is an Epidural Injection Done?

A common cause of sciatic pain is inflammation in response to nerve irritation caused by nerve entrapment or spinal disc protrusion. An injection of anti-inflammatory medication (steroids) into the epidural space can reduce this inflammation and decrease pain.

How is the Procedure Performed?

  1. Fasting: you may need to fast for 2 hours prior to this procedure.
  2. Medications: Please let us know if you take blood thinning medication (warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, aspirin or clopidogrel). You may need to have a blood test before the procedure and have your medication adjusted by your doctor.
  3. Preparation: You will be asked to change into a gown. You will be positioned on your stomach on the CT examination table. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
  4. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be injected to numb the area
  5. Injection: A small needle is inserted into the epidural space of the spine under CT guidance. The medication is carefully injected into the epidural space. It is important that you keep as still as possible during the procedure.
  6. Dressing: The needle is removed, and a dressing will be applied.

What to Expect After the Procedure

  • You may experience some soreness or bruising at the needle site and rarely, some muscle spasm. You may also experience some temporary numbness at the injection site and down your leg. A temporary increase in back pain may be felt.
  • You will be kept for observation for up to 30 minutes. If you are then feeling comfortable
  • you may leave. You will require someone to drive you home after the procedure. Please consider this when making your appointment.
  • Please do not do lifting or physical activity that may aggravate your condition for at least 24-hours after the procedure.

Effects From the Treatment

The local anaesthetic may give temporary relief from pain for up to four hours. Paracetamol may be taken if you experience discomfort. The steroid can take up to a week to reach its maximum effect. Relief from symptoms does vary between patients, both in time and scale. Some people do not receive pain relief from the procedure if inflammation is not the main cause for their pain. Please keep in mind this is generally not a failure of the procedure. This information is useful for your doctor as it indicates other causes of pain that may need to be considered.

What Are the Risks?

  • You will receive a small dose of X-ray radiation. However, please advise the radiographer if you are, or think you may be pregnant.
  • Bleeding, though rare, can occur into the epidural space, causing pressure. This may require an operation to treat.
  • Infection into the epidural space, which is rare, can also occur.
  • If the fluid sac around the nerves is punctured, this can lead to a fluid leak that results in a headache. This usually settles over a few days with bed rest and analgesia. Only rarely does this require further treatment.
  • Spinal cord injury with transient or permanent paralysis is very rare.
  • Allergy is considered to be rare.

What is a CT Guided Biopsy?

A CT-guided biopsy is a medical procedure where a tissue sample is taken from a specific area inside your body using a CT (computed tomography) scan for guidance. The tissue sample is sent to a pathology lab for diagnosis.

It is used to obtain tissue from an abnormal area inside the body. It helps doctors to:

  • Determine if disease is present.
  • Determine the exact type of disease.
  • Plan for treatment options.

Before the Procedure

  • Preparation: You may be asked to not eat or drink for 4 hours before the procedure.
  • Medications: Please inform us if you are taking any blood-thinning medication such as Aspirin, Warfarin, Dabigatran or Clopidogrel. You may need to have a blood-clotting test before the procedure and have your medication adjusted by your doctor.

During the Procedure

  • Positioning: You will be asked to change into a gown and lie on a table. A CT scan will be used to locate the area where the biopsy will be done.
  • Planning: A safe biopsy path is planned and the entry site marked. Your skin will be cleansed to create sterile conditions, and a local anaesthetic is then injected.
  • Needle Insertion: A thin, hollow needle will be inserted through your numbed skin. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the imaging. It is important that you try to keep as still as possible during the procedure.
  • Sample Collection: Once the needle is in place, small tissue samples will be collected for testing. You may hear the noise of the biopsy equipment. This is normal.
  • Dressing: a dressing will be applied to the area.
  • Duration: The procedure typically takes 30-minutes.

After the Procedure

  • Observation: You will be monitored after the procedure to check for any immediate complications. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
  • Pain Management: Some soreness at the biopsy site is normal and paracetamol can help.
  • Dressing: you may remove your dressing one day after the procedure. You may bathe and shower as normal.
  • Activity Restrictions: Avoid physical exertion for 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Results: The pathology results will be sent to your doctor; this may take up to 7-days. You must return to your referring doctor to discuss the results.

Potential Risks and Complications

  • Radiation: You will receive a small dose of x-ray radiation. Please advise the radiographer if you are or think you may be pregnant.
  • Bleeding: There may be some bleeding at the biopsy site. On rare occasions bleeding may be pronounced and require admission to hospital.
  • Infection: Any procedure involving a needle carries a small risk of infection.
  • Damage to surrounding organs or tissue: Though rare, there is a risk of injury to nearby organs or structures. We take every precaution to ensure your procedure is safe and sterile.
  • These risks must be weighed up against the risks of other options, like a surgical tissue sampling or not obtaining a diagnosis at all.

Call your doctor if you experience:

  • Severe pain at the biopsy site that doesn’t improve with pain medication.
  • Redness, swelling, or drainage at the site of the biopsy.
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain (if the biopsy was near the lungs).
  • Fever or chills, which may be a sign of infection.

What is Shoulder Hydrodilatation?

Shoulder hydrodilatation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) by injecting a sterile fluid mixture into the shoulder joint. This helps to stretch the joint capsule, improving range of motion and reducing pain. Guided by imaging techniques for precision, the procedure provides effective relief for patients with limited shoulder mobility.

Before your procedure

 Tell our staff if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have diabetes, kidney problems, or take blood thinners
  • Have allergies to medications, especially steroids or anesthetics
  • Have had recent infections or fever

Preparation

  • Wear a loose top or sleeveless  top for easy shoulder access
  • You may eat and drink as normal
  • You can usually drive yourself home afterward, but ask your provider if you’re unsure

During Your Procedure

  • The skin over your shoulder is cleaned and sterilized.
  • A small needle is guided into your shoulder joint using ultrasound for accuracy.
  • A mixture of:
    • Saline (to stretch the joint capsule),
    • Corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation), and
    • Local anesthetic (for immediate pain relief) is slowly injected into the joint.
  • The fluid gently stretches the tight capsule, helping to break up scar tissue and improve mobility.
  • The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes.

After the Procedure

  • You may feel immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic.
  • Your shoulder may feel heavy or sore for a few hours.
  • Resume physical therapy or shoulder exercises within 24–48 hours — this is essential for the best outcome.
  • Full benefits are typically seen in a few days to a few weeks.

What are the benefits?

  • Improved shoulder movement
  • Reduced pain and stiffness
  • Can speed up recovery from frozen shoulder
  • May reduce need for surgery

Are there any risks?

Most people tolerate the procedure well. Side effects are rare but may include:

  • Temporary increase in pain
  • Mild swelling or bruising at the injection site
  • Infection (rare)
  • Allergic reaction to the medication
  • Flushing or temporary rise in blood sugar (especially in diabetics)

When to seek medical help?

Call your doctor if you experience:

  • Increasing redness, warmth, or drainage at the injection site
  • Fever or chills
  • Severe or worsening shoulder pain
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

What happens next?

  • Keep up with your physiotherapy or home exercises — this is critical for long-term recovery.
  • You may need more than one injection, depending on your response.
  • Book a follow-up with your doctor to check your progress.

Is Interventional Radiology Safe?

Yes, interventional radiology is considered very safe as procedures are minimally invasive, there are only a small amount of risks and complications are rare.

After the Exam

  • Lifting and strenuous physical activity are to be avoided for 24-48 hours after your procedure
  • For injections or therapeutic procedures – a report will be sent to your referring practitioner detailing the procedure
  • For biopsies – a report will be sent to your referring practitioner detailing the procedure and the pathology results are usually received in 3-5 business days. 

Key Features of Our Clinic

Our point of difference

All Referrals Welcome

In Australia, radiology referrals are not clinic-specific. You can use a referral made out to another clinic here.

Expert Radiologists

An imaging study is only as good as the specialist reporting it. Our team are highly-experienced radiologists, with sub-specialised areas of expertise.

Latest Technology

We have invested in the latest low-dose imaging technology, which offer enhanced clarity, to ensure our patients enjoy the safest clinical experience possible.

Fast Reporting

Onsite Radiologists means rapid turn-around of reports, with results sent back to your referrer within 24-hours, or the next working day.

Urgent Appointments

Clinically urgent appointments are always accommodated. Please call reception for further assistance.

All Referrals Welcome

In Australia, radiology referrals are not clinic-specific. You can use a referral made out to another clinic here.

Expert Radiologists

An imaging study is only as good as the specialist reporting it. Our team are highly-experienced radiologists, with sub-specialised areas of expertise.

Latest Technology

We have invested in the latest low-dose imaging technology, which offer enhanced clarity, to ensure our patients enjoy the safest clinical experience possible.

Fast Reporting

Onsite Radiologists means rapid turn-around of reports, with results sent back to your referrer within 24-hours, or the next working day.

Urgent Appointments

Clinically urgent appointments are always accommodated. Please call reception for further assistance.

Our Team

Meet Our Radiology Team

Dr Andrew Low

BEng, MSc, MBBS(Hons 1), FRCPC, FRANZCR

Radiologist

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Dr James Bewes

BScAdv, MMedPhys, MBBS(Hons), FRANZCR

Radiologist

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Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, please feel free to contact our friendly staff.

Ask a Question

Expert imaging. Clear answers. Compassionate care. Book your appointment today!

If you wish to make a booking or require urgent attention, please get in touch with our friendly team to make a booking.

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Dear Patients

Welcome to our brand new clinic!
 
We are currently able to offer walk-in appointments for x-ray and same day or next day appointments for ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures.
 
Please phone our team to make a booking.
 
All referrals accepted.