What is a Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedure (MIIP)?
Minimally invasive image-guided procedure (MIIP) involves viewing the inside of your body with the help of medical imaging devices under mild sedation. It enables your doctor or interventional radiologist to treat health disorders through a tiny pinhole. It is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions.
Unlike minimally invasive surgery, a camera is not placed inside of your body to view the internal organs. MIIP makes use of computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy (live x-ray), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound to view the interior of your body without making large incisions as in conventional surgeries.
Indications for Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedure (MIIP)
Minimally invasive image-guided procedure (MIIP) is indicated for a range of conditions that includes:
- Brain disorders such as stroke, aneurysm
- Chest & lung disorders
- Diseases related to gastrointestinal system that includes- stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, and gallbladder
- Issues pertaining to male and female reproductive organs such as pelvic pain, fibroids, enlarged prostate and infertility
- Problems in lower limbs such as varicose veins, blocked arteries, and blood clots
- Cancer
- Infections
- Emergencies like vomiting blood, internal bleeding, and post-childbirth bleeding
What are the Different Types of Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedures (MIIPs)?
The different types of minimally invasive image-guided procedures (MIIPs) include:
Balloon Angioplasty: In this procedure, a narrowed blood vessel is dilated (expanded) by introducing an inflated balloon through a catheter. The balloon expands after reaching the targeted spot and thus, helps dilate the blood vessel and improve blood flow.
Embolization: This procedure involves the closure of a diseased or ruptured blood vessel using specific materials delivered through a catheter.
Placing Stents: This procedure involves the dilation of a narrowed blood vessel or the removal of a blockage in an artery. A catheter is used to place a stent (metallic mesh) at the blockage site which helps open up the blood vessel.
Interventional Oncology: This branch of interventional radiology makes use of medical imaging to treat cancer such as tumour ablation (destruction) and tumour embolization (destroying the tumour by delivering anti-cancer agents in the blood vessels feeding the tumour).
Pre-surgical Preparation for Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedure (MIIP)
You will be instructed not to drink or eat anything for 6-12 hours before your minimally invasive image-guided procedure (MIIP).
Inform your doctor if you are on specific medications. Important medications can be taken before the MIIP.
On the day of the MIIP, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedure (MIIP)
The general steps for a minimally invasive image-guided procedure (MIIP) include:
- You will be placed on the imaging table. It is commonly performed by placing you on your back.
- A small intravenous (IV) line is placed in your arm to administer medication and anaesthesia.
- The skin where the procedure is performed is shaved (if necessary) and cleaned.
- A tiny pinhole is made in the skin in your arm, abdomen, or pelvis using a surgical needle.
- Through the needle, a fine tube called a catheter is introduced in your body and the interventional radiologist injects a special contrast dye into it to view the internal organs/blood vessels.
- During this time, based on the requirement, the interventional radiologist may perform ablation, embolization, stenting, or biopsy.
- Once the process is complete, the catheter is removed carefully.
MIIP is usually performed on an out-patient basis. It takes around 1-2 hours. However, complex MIIP’s may last longer.
Post-surgical Care for Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedure (MIIP)
You will be kept under observation for a few hours. If your interventional radiologist is satisfied with your recovery, you will be discharged.
Some people may be required to stay overnight and then discharged.
You may develop slight discomfort or tenderness in the area where the imaging was done. Your doctor may prescribe medications for pain relief.
Advantages/Benefits of Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedure (MIIP)
Minimally invasive image-guided procedure (MIIP) offers the following benefits:
- Little to no scarring
- Quicker recovery time
- Minimizes pain and infection
- Reduces complications
- Improves patient care by helping them resume their normal activities quickly
- Reduces the need for surgery
Risk and Complications of Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedure (MIIP)
Minimally invasive image-guided procedure (MIIP) is a relatively safe procedure. However, you may have certain adverse reactions after the procedure. These may include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Swelling or pain where the procedure was done
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain