Interventional radiology is a medical speciality that treats many conditions from the inside. Using imaging as a guide, a specialist passes fine needles or thin tubes called catheters to exactly where treatment is needed.
This minimally invasive treatment usually needs only a pinhole-sized entry in the skin instead of a surgical cut. Varicose veins can often be treated this way, with laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or glue therapy closing the problem vein from the inside. Narrowed leg arteries and some types of chronic pain can also be treated this way. Your specialist will tell you whether it is suitable for you.