Interventional radiology procedures at CTIR

Interventional radiology uses imaging such as X-ray to guide treatment through a tiny opening in the skin, usually at the wrist or groin, instead of open surgery. These are the procedures offered at CTIR.

Women's health

Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE)

Treats fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the womb, by blocking the blood vessels that feed them so they shrink. The womb is kept.

May help with: Heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain or pressure, and needing to pass urine often

Men's health

Prostate artery embolisation (PAE)

Treats an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) by reducing its blood supply so it gradually shrinks, without surgery to the prostate itself.

May help with: A weak urine stream, passing urine often or urgently, and getting up at night to pass urine

Knee

Genicular artery embolisation (GAE)

Treats knee pain from osteoarthritis by blocking small, abnormal blood vessels around the knee that drive inflammation and pain.

May help with: Ongoing knee pain that hasn't settled with medication, physiotherapy or injections

Other musculoskeletal embolisation

The same approach used for the knee, applied to other painful joints and tendons where abnormal blood vessels contribute to long-term pain.

Examples: Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and frozen shoulder

Where to start

A GP consultation is the first step. The CTIR general practitioner will go through your symptoms, history and any scans you've had, explain whether a procedure may be suitable, and arrange referral to the CTIR interventional radiologists if it is.

Telephonic R275 · In-person R500

Book a CTIR GP consultation

This page is general information, not medical advice. Whether a procedure is right for you depends on a full assessment.