Interventional Radiologist in Pune - Know Your Doctor Dr Abhishek Bairy –

What is Interventional Radiology?

A Brief History

Interventional Radiology (IR) grew out of diagnostic radiology, when doctors realized that medical imaging could do more than just detect disease—it could also guide treatments inside the body.

• Early 20th century: X-rays were mainly used for diagnosis.

• 1953 breakthrough: Swedish radiologist Dr. Sven-Ivar Seldinger introduced the Seldinger technique—a safe way to access blood vessels using a needle and guidewire. This innovation became the foundation of nearly all modern minimally invasive procedures.

• 1960s–1970s: Pioneers of IR began performing image-guided procedures such as angiography, vessel dilatation, and embolization. Advances in imaging, catheters, and materials made these treatments safer and more effective.

• Today: IR is a well-established specialty, offering minimally invasive alternatives to surgery across a wide range of medical conditions.

Know Your Doctor: Who Is an Interventional Radiologist?

An Interventional Radiologist (IR) is a specialist who treats medical problems using image-guided, minimally invasive procedures.

Instead of large surgical cuts, an IR uses fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT scans, or X-ray guidance to reach the problem through a tiny needle or pin-hole incision.

In simple words:
👉 Maximum precision
👉 Minimum pain
👉 Faster recovery

Why Are More Patients Being Referred to IR?

Medical knowledge has advanced, and many conditions that once required open surgery can now be treated without it.

Common conditions treated by IR include:

• Varicose veins

• Fibroids and adenomyosis

• Thyroid nodules and goitre

• Tumours of the liver, kidney, lung, and bone

• Vascular blockages and bleeding

• Abscess drainage and image-guided biopsies

• Chronic pain conditions

Most procedures are day-care, require only local anaesthesia, and allow patients to return to normal life quickly.

Why Should You Meet an Interventional Radiologist?

You should consider consulting an IR if:

• You want a non-surgical or minimally invasive treatment

• You’ve been advised surgery and want to explore all options

• You’re concerned about scars, long recovery, or hospital stay

• You’re looking for effective treatment with less downtime

Many patients discover IR only after years of symptoms—only to realise there was a simpler option available all along.

Interventional Radiology vs Surgery

Traditional Open Surgery

• Large incisions

• General anaesthesia

• Longer hospital stays

• Longer recovery

Interventional Radiology

• Tiny needle punctures

• Mostly local anaesthesia

• Day-care procedures

• Faster healing & less pain

Why Haven’t More People Heard About IR?

Interventional Radiology is a relatively young and rapidly evolving field. Because IR doctors work “behind the camera” rather than in visible operating theatres, the specialty is often less known—yet extremely powerful.

Awareness is growing, and today IR plays a major role in modern, patient-friendly healthcare.

Know Your Doctor

Dr. Abhishek Bairy is a trained Interventional Radiologist with a special interest in minimally invasive, image-guided treatments.

“Not every problem needs surgery. Sometimes, the simplest solution is also the smartest one.”

When Should You Consult Us?

• If you’ve been advised surgery and want a second opinion

• If you’re looking for advanced, minimally invasive treatment options

• If you want expert guidance on whether IR is suitable for your condition

A Simple Question That Can Change Your Treatment Path

Before surgery, ask yourself:

“Is there a minimally invasive interventional radiology option for me?”