An interventional radiologist is a doctor who specializes in performing minimally invasive procedures (small incision surgeries without scar) using imaging guidance. They use various imaging techniques, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI to visualize the inside of the body and guide their procedures.

It includes a broad range of procedures such as tumor treatments, taking organ biopsies or placing stents by inserting tiny instruments and thin plastic tubes (catheters) into the body via an artery or vein. The images are used to guide the catheters and instruments to the exact area where the procedure or treatment is to be performed. This reduces the need for traditional (open) or keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery as treatment can be given via a small plastic tube about the size of a thin straw

These procedures are different than open surgery and their complication rates are much lesser than conventional methods.

Radiology and interventional radiology are related medical specialties, but they have some key differences. While both involve the use of medical imaging, interventional radiology focuses on performing minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging, whereas radiology primarily focuses on interpreting images for diagnostic purposes.