Interventional
Radiology
Image-Guided Treatment
Interventional Radiology
For 75 years, Morton & Partners has been at the forefront of radiology in the Western Cape. Interventional radiology has long been part of that story — a discipline we have practised, refined, and led as the specialty has grown.
Today, our team delivers the full spectrum of minimally invasive, image-guided treatment across multiple specialist service areas, with the depth of experience that only decades of dedicated practice can build.
For bookings or queries related to Interventional Procedures, contact our centralised team on cathlab@morton.co.za
WHAT SETS US APART
Why our Interventional Team
Experienced
IR Team
Multiple
Locations
Innovative
Technology
Centralised
Booking
Our Clinicians:
Morton & Partners brings together one of the most experienced interventional radiology teams in South Africa — fellowship-trained specialists spanning vascular and oncological intervention, neuro-IR, women’s health, musculoskeletal, and stroke, with advanced subspecialist training from internationally recognised institutions.
Your patient is in the hands of a team that has the training, the experience, and the proven record to deliver world-class interventional care — right here in Cape Town.
Dr Frikkie Buitendag
MBBCh (UOFS), FCRad (D)(SA) (UKZN)
Fellowship of Body Cross-Sectional Imaging and Intervention
Dr Isak Vorster
MBChB (Pretoria), FC Diag Rad (CMSA), MMed (UCT), PG Dip Ped Rad (UCT)
Fellowship in Paediatric Radiology
Fellowship in Body & Interventional Radiology
Dr Yusuf Parak
MBChB (Stell), Mphil (UCT), MMed (Stell), FC Rad Diag (SA),
Certificate in Interventional Radiology (UBC)
What to Expect
Your Visit Step by Step
Some interventional procedures are emergency cases and will be attended to immediately.
However, if you have been referred by your physician to undergo an elective interventional procedure, you can make your appointment directly at any of our branches.
Each interventional procedure is highly specialised and most require specific preparations.
You may meet your interventionalist on the day of your procedure or you may be required to consult beforehand so that the details may be explained to you. For more information on how to prepare for your procedure, click-through to your specific types of intervention.
On the day of your procedure, our team of experts will prepare you and answer any remaining questions.
You will be given a gown to wear during the procedure. Unlike open surgery, most intervention radiology (IR) procedures are done under local anesthesia or conscious sedation (rather than general anesthesia).
So you will be relaxed, but awake during the entire process. This innovative, image-guided alternative has a shorter recovery time, reduces the risk and often delivers better outcomes.
Before and After the intervention radiology (IR)
Before the intervention radiology (IR):
You will be advised of specific preparations for your procedure when making your booking at our branch.
Please inform our receptionist of any medical conditions and chronic medications that have been prescribed for you.
Please also inform us if there is any possibility that you might be pregnant.
In most cases, you should take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medication.
These may be taken with sips of water on the morning of your procedure.
Specific blood tests and/or fasting (no food or liquid) may be required prior to your procedure.
Before the procedure, your radiologist will explain the process to you and obtain the Patient Medical Questionnaire and consent form from you.
For more information about your specific type of intervention, please consult with our expert team when making your appointment.
Please inform our receptionist of any medical conditions and chronic medications that have been prescribed for you.
Please also inform us if there is any possibility that you might be pregnant.
In most cases, you should take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medication.
These may be taken with sips of water on the morning of your procedure.
Specific blood tests and/or fasting (no food or liquid) may be required prior to your procedure.
Before the procedure, your radiologist will explain the process to you and obtain the Patient Medical Questionnaire and consent form from you.
For more information about your specific type of intervention, please consult with our expert team when making your appointment.
After the intervention radiology:
Depending on your procedure you might be instructed to stay in hospital (hours/days) or curtail your physical activities for a few days.
If you are anxious, or in severe pain, oral or intravenous sedation or analgesia may be required. If either of the above is administered, you will be unable to drive or operate machinery. Please arrange for someone who can drive you home after the procedure, if required to.
Digital images and reports will be available to your referring doctor after you procedure has been completed.
If you are anxious, or in severe pain, oral or intravenous sedation or analgesia may be required. If either of the above is administered, you will be unable to drive or operate machinery. Please arrange for someone who can drive you home after the procedure, if required to.
Digital images and reports will be available to your referring doctor after you procedure has been completed.
Stroke Treatment
Stroke Treatment:
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted as a result of a blocked blood vessel. It is the brain’s equivalent of a heart attack and should be treated as urgent.
Strokes may also occur due to haemorrhage into the brain.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, allowing blood to leak into the brain. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot.
Early intervention for an ischaemic stroke can save lives and reduces disability. Treatment depends on the severity and type of stroke.
Treatment will usually focus on restoring blood flow to the oxygen-starved brain, by administering intravenous or intr-arterial medication to dissolve blood clots. Some patients may, however, require the offending clot to be removed from the blocked artery to restore blood flow. This is achieved at one of our super-specialised stroke centres and involves the placement of delicate catheters within the arteries of the brain to aspirate or mechanically remove the clot from the cerebral artery.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
After the access site is numbed with local anaesthetic, a thin catheter is passed through a very small incision into the artery and, guided by X-rays, is maneuvered to the area of impaired circulation. Contrast material is injected to pinpoint the location and to determine whether the clot would be best treated by mechanical extraction or aspiration (sucking the clot out).
Strokes may also occur due to haemorrhage into the brain.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, allowing blood to leak into the brain. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot.
Early intervention for an ischaemic stroke can save lives and reduces disability. Treatment depends on the severity and type of stroke.
Treatment will usually focus on restoring blood flow to the oxygen-starved brain, by administering intravenous or intr-arterial medication to dissolve blood clots. Some patients may, however, require the offending clot to be removed from the blocked artery to restore blood flow. This is achieved at one of our super-specialised stroke centres and involves the placement of delicate catheters within the arteries of the brain to aspirate or mechanically remove the clot from the cerebral artery.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
After the access site is numbed with local anaesthetic, a thin catheter is passed through a very small incision into the artery and, guided by X-rays, is maneuvered to the area of impaired circulation. Contrast material is injected to pinpoint the location and to determine whether the clot would be best treated by mechanical extraction or aspiration (sucking the clot out).
After the procedure:
You will remain in ICU and you will be medically managed for your stroke.
Uterine artery embolisation for fibroids
Uterine artery embolisation for fibroids:
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of muscle tissue that arise from the wall of the uterus. They are usually asymptomatic but can cause pain, abnormal bleeding, urinary frequency, constipation, a feeling of abdominal bloating and pain during intercourse. Fibroids may also result in infertility.
Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) has been performed since the early 1990’s and provides an alternative, non-surgical treatment that is effective and does not require removal of the uterus or major surgery.
The procedure is performed by our specially trained interventional radiologist.
A small catheter is introduced through the artery in the groin and positioned into the arteries that feed the uterus. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries to stop blood flow.
The muscular wall of the uterus tolerates this well with no ill effects, but the fibroid deprived of its blood supply dies. Over time it will shrink as much as 70% allowing for improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. The procedure takes about an hour to perform.
Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) has been performed since the early 1990’s and provides an alternative, non-surgical treatment that is effective and does not require removal of the uterus or major surgery.
The procedure is performed by our specially trained interventional radiologist.
A small catheter is introduced through the artery in the groin and positioned into the arteries that feed the uterus. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries to stop blood flow.
The muscular wall of the uterus tolerates this well with no ill effects, but the fibroid deprived of its blood supply dies. Over time it will shrink as much as 70% allowing for improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. The procedure takes about an hour to perform.
After the procedure:
You will most likely have to stay in the hospital overnight as some post-embolization pain is expected.
Discharge the following day is usual and you can resume normal activity levels in 7-10 days.
UFE is not major surgery and the recovery time is considerably shorter than for hysterectomy, which can be as long as 3 months.
Read more about Uterine artery embolisation for fibriods on the Frequently asked Questions page
Discharge the following day is usual and you can resume normal activity levels in 7-10 days.
UFE is not major surgery and the recovery time is considerably shorter than for hysterectomy, which can be as long as 3 months.
Read more about Uterine artery embolisation for fibriods on the Frequently asked Questions page
Angiography
Angiography:
An angiogram allows a specially trained radiologist to demonstrate and treat pathology in any artery or vein in the body. The procedure involves the use of special thin tubes called catheters and an x-ray machine.
Cerebral angiography is used to diagnose problems with the arteries or veins in the neck and brain. This test is often used if you have or are suspected of having a cerebral aneurysm, fracture of the skull or neck, head injury or stroke.
First, the radiologist will numb your skin in the groin area with a local anesthetic after which a small needle is inserted into the artery and a catheter advanced to the desired position using real-time x-ray guidance.
A special dye is injected via the catheter and allows the arteries to be clearly seen and imaged.
The standard test will typically take less than an hour. In more complex cases, the exam may last for several hours especially if the radiologist sees an abnormality that can be corrected during the exam.
Cerebral angiography is used to diagnose problems with the arteries or veins in the neck and brain. This test is often used if you have or are suspected of having a cerebral aneurysm, fracture of the skull or neck, head injury or stroke.
First, the radiologist will numb your skin in the groin area with a local anesthetic after which a small needle is inserted into the artery and a catheter advanced to the desired position using real-time x-ray guidance.
A special dye is injected via the catheter and allows the arteries to be clearly seen and imaged.
The standard test will typically take less than an hour. In more complex cases, the exam may last for several hours especially if the radiologist sees an abnormality that can be corrected during the exam.
After the procedure:
Immediately after the procedure, pressure is applied to the catheter insertion site in the groin or arm for 10 to 20 minutes to allow it to seal and prevent bleeding.
Sometimes a special closure device is used. You may be instructed to stay in bed for several hours after the angiogram to be monitored for any complications such as bleeding from the puncture site.
On your return home, it is advisable not to lift anything heavy for a few days, to avoid any pressure on the incision and to drink plenty of water to help flush the dye out of your system. You may also be instructed not to take a bath for a few days, though showers are fine.
Sometimes a special closure device is used. You may be instructed to stay in bed for several hours after the angiogram to be monitored for any complications such as bleeding from the puncture site.
On your return home, it is advisable not to lift anything heavy for a few days, to avoid any pressure on the incision and to drink plenty of water to help flush the dye out of your system. You may also be instructed not to take a bath for a few days, though showers are fine.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty:
Interventional radiologists use angioplasty and stenting as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
Commonly used in all parts of the body, including the head and neck, coronary and renal arteries, it has a higher success rate with fewer risks associated than open surgery.
Like other interventional procedures, angioplasty involves the insertion of a catheter via an artery in the groin to the point of the occlusion. A small balloon is deployed at the site of narrowing to disrupt the plaque and widen the artery to improve blood flow. These procedures are often accompanied by the placement of a stent, which is a small metallic mesh tube that holds the artery open to maintain blood flow.
In highly selected cases, carotid and intracranial stenting usually takes about 1-2 hours. When stenting the carotid artery, a small basket or filter called an embolic protection device is inserted. This device helps to prevent strokes by catching the debris that may break away from the plaque during the procedure.
Commonly used in all parts of the body, including the head and neck, coronary and renal arteries, it has a higher success rate with fewer risks associated than open surgery.
Like other interventional procedures, angioplasty involves the insertion of a catheter via an artery in the groin to the point of the occlusion. A small balloon is deployed at the site of narrowing to disrupt the plaque and widen the artery to improve blood flow. These procedures are often accompanied by the placement of a stent, which is a small metallic mesh tube that holds the artery open to maintain blood flow.
In highly selected cases, carotid and intracranial stenting usually takes about 1-2 hours. When stenting the carotid artery, a small basket or filter called an embolic protection device is inserted. This device helps to prevent strokes by catching the debris that may break away from the plaque during the procedure.
After the procedure:
Immediately after the procedure, pressure is applied to the catheter insertion site in the groin or arm for 10 to 20 minutes to allow it to seal and prevent bleeding.
Sometimes a special closure device is used. You may be instructed to stay in bed for several hours after the angiogram to be monitored for any complications such as bleeding from the puncture site.
On your return home, it is advisable not to lift anything heavy for a few days, to avoid any pressure on the incision and to drink plenty of water to help flush the dye out of your system.
You may also be instructed not to take a bath for a few days, though showers are fine.
Sometimes a special closure device is used. You may be instructed to stay in bed for several hours after the angiogram to be monitored for any complications such as bleeding from the puncture site.
On your return home, it is advisable not to lift anything heavy for a few days, to avoid any pressure on the incision and to drink plenty of water to help flush the dye out of your system.
You may also be instructed not to take a bath for a few days, though showers are fine.
AV Fistula
An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. It can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain.
Normally, blood flows from arteries through capillaries and back to your heart in veins. When an AVF is present, a short circuit exists and blood flows directly from an artery into a vein, bypassing the capillaries. If the volume of diverted blood flow is large enough, it may precipitate heart failure or the tissues downstream may be compromised due to lack of oxygen.
An interventional radiologist treats an AVF by excluding it from the circulation. This may be achieved by sealing off the artery with a special device called a covered stent or by occluding the artery with various agents such as coils.
Normally, blood flows from arteries through capillaries and back to your heart in veins. When an AVF is present, a short circuit exists and blood flows directly from an artery into a vein, bypassing the capillaries. If the volume of diverted blood flow is large enough, it may precipitate heart failure or the tissues downstream may be compromised due to lack of oxygen.
An interventional radiologist treats an AVF by excluding it from the circulation. This may be achieved by sealing off the artery with a special device called a covered stent or by occluding the artery with various agents such as coils.
Biliary drainage and stent placement
Biliary drainage and stent placement procedures allow for drainage of an obstructed biliary system through a catheter placed through the skin into a bile duct within the liver. These procedures are frequently performed if you are suspected of having symptomatic obstructive jaundice, most often the result of a malignant process (such as pancreatic, biliary or liver cancer) or a benign process (such as gallstones, common bile duct stones or benign strictures).
A local anesthetic is injected and a needle is inserted through your skin into a bile duct within the liver using ultrasound or X-ray guidance. A small amount of dye is injected to verify proper placement and a series of guide wires and catheters are advanced through the area of obstruction to establish an internal or external drainage path.
In some circumstances of malignant disease, an internal metal stent may be placed in the area of obstruction as a form of permanent treatment. In certain benign processes, the drain tube may be temporarily left in place to drain internally or externally into a bag.
A local anesthetic is injected and a needle is inserted through your skin into a bile duct within the liver using ultrasound or X-ray guidance. A small amount of dye is injected to verify proper placement and a series of guide wires and catheters are advanced through the area of obstruction to establish an internal or external drainage path.
In some circumstances of malignant disease, an internal metal stent may be placed in the area of obstruction as a form of permanent treatment. In certain benign processes, the drain tube may be temporarily left in place to drain internally or externally into a bag.
CT / ultrasound guided biopsy
CT / ultrasound guided biopsy:
Image-guided biopsy offers the opportunity for a less invasive procedure from surgery with diagnostic results.
In addition to conventional diagnostic procedures, ultrasound and CT provide the facility to perform image-guided biopsies of nodules and cysts. The area to be biopsied is exposed and the biopsy site anaesthetised. A needle is inserted through the skin into the area of interest under imaging guidance. A specimen is taken and sent to the lab for evaluation.
The results are sent to your clinician. Depending on the area to be biopsied, the procedure can vary from 10 to 20 minutes.
In addition to conventional diagnostic procedures, ultrasound and CT provide the facility to perform image-guided biopsies of nodules and cysts. The area to be biopsied is exposed and the biopsy site anaesthetised. A needle is inserted through the skin into the area of interest under imaging guidance. A specimen is taken and sent to the lab for evaluation.
The results are sent to your clinician. Depending on the area to be biopsied, the procedure can vary from 10 to 20 minutes.
Special preparation for a CT Biopsy
No food or liquid should be taken for six hours prior to the procedure.
Specific lab work may be required prior to your procedure.
Please make post-procedure travel arrangements.
Specific lab work may be required prior to your procedure.
Please make post-procedure travel arrangements.
Cerebral aneurysm coiling
An intracranial aneurysm is a weak spot on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood. The bulging aneurysm can put pressure on a nerve or surrounding brain tissue or it may rupture. Cerebral aneurysms can occur anywhere in the brain, but most are located along a network of arteries that runs between the underside of the brain and the base of the skull.
Endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms involves insertion of a catheter into the femoral artery in your leg and navigating it into the head and into the aneurysm. Tiny platinum coils are threaded through the catheter and deployed into the aneurysm, blocking blood flow into the aneurysm and preventing rupture. The coils are flexible enough to conform to the aneurysm shape. This endovascular coiling, or filling, of the aneurysm is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms involves insertion of a catheter into the femoral artery in your leg and navigating it into the head and into the aneurysm. Tiny platinum coils are threaded through the catheter and deployed into the aneurysm, blocking blood flow into the aneurysm and preventing rupture. The coils are flexible enough to conform to the aneurysm shape. This endovascular coiling, or filling, of the aneurysm is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Embolisation: Traumatic and non-traumatic
Embolisation is a well-established interventional radiology technique that is used, amongst others, to treat trauma victims with massive bleeding, to control epistaxis (nose bleeds) that does not respond to conventional therapy and as a treatment prior to surgery to decrease blood loss.
The interventional radiologist makes a tiny nick in the skin and inserts a catheter into the artery. Using real-time fluoroscopy, the radiologist guides the catheter through the artery and then releases clotting agents (coils, particles, gelfoam) into the blood vessels to slow the blood flow and stop the hemorrhage from the inside.
The interventional radiologist makes a tiny nick in the skin and inserts a catheter into the artery. Using real-time fluoroscopy, the radiologist guides the catheter through the artery and then releases clotting agents (coils, particles, gelfoam) into the blood vessels to slow the blood flow and stop the hemorrhage from the inside.
IVC Filter Placement
An IVC filter is placed in the inferior vena cava, the principal vein that connects your leg veins with your heart, to trap blood clots. Clots that develop in the veins of the legs or pelvis can migrate to the heart and lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition. The filter protects the lungs from these clots.
The filter may be placed from below via an incision made in the groin or from above via an incision in the neck. After anaesthetising the skin, a small incision is made and a catheter is inserted into the vein. Through this tube, the interventional radiologist will insert the filter into the IVC.
Once placed, the filter may be left in situ or may be removed once it has served its purpose. The tube in your neck or hip will be removed and light pressure will be applied until the bleeding has stopped.
The filter may be placed from below via an incision made in the groin or from above via an incision in the neck. After anaesthetising the skin, a small incision is made and a catheter is inserted into the vein. Through this tube, the interventional radiologist will insert the filter into the IVC.
Once placed, the filter may be left in situ or may be removed once it has served its purpose. The tube in your neck or hip will be removed and light pressure will be applied until the bleeding has stopped.
Liver Chemo and radio embolisation
Liver Chemo and radio embolisation:
During this procedure, small particles are injected into a tumour to stop the blood flow. This deprives the tumour of oxygen and nutrients and eventually causes cells to die.
The embolisation material is saturated with chemotherapy drugs and once the flow has stopped, the tumor is bathed in a very high concentration of drugs or selectively eradiated for a prolonged period of time. Thus, the tumor cells die very quickly.
Chemo and radio embolisation is considered to be a relatively safe and effective method of treating irresectable liver tumours. The overall risk of the procedure is related to your general underlying health. People with jaundice, severe cirrhosis or kidney failure have an increased chance of complications.
Under X-ray guidance a small catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and advanced into the artery supplying the liver. The embolic material is then injected through the catheter into the liver tumour. The procedure usually lasts 1-2 hours.
The embolisation material is saturated with chemotherapy drugs and once the flow has stopped, the tumor is bathed in a very high concentration of drugs or selectively eradiated for a prolonged period of time. Thus, the tumor cells die very quickly.
Chemo and radio embolisation is considered to be a relatively safe and effective method of treating irresectable liver tumours. The overall risk of the procedure is related to your general underlying health. People with jaundice, severe cirrhosis or kidney failure have an increased chance of complications.
Under X-ray guidance a small catheter is inserted into the femoral artery and advanced into the artery supplying the liver. The embolic material is then injected through the catheter into the liver tumour. The procedure usually lasts 1-2 hours.
After the procedure:
You may experience some side effects which may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever.
Various drugs can be administered that will control these symptoms and keep you comfortable.
The symptoms will stop after 3 – 5 days
Various drugs can be administered that will control these symptoms and keep you comfortable.
The symptoms will stop after 3 – 5 days
Nephrostomy and ureteric stent placement
Nephrostomy and ureteric stent placement:
When there is a blockage of urine and the kidney cannot drain into the bladder, the renal function may be compromised and infection may occur. During a nephrostomy, a tube is placed through the skin into one or both kidneys.
You will be placed on your stomach on the X-ray table and after being given a sedative, local anesthetic is injected into the skin. Using ultrasound guidance, a small needle is advanced into the kidney and a special dye injected to outline the kidney.
If there is a blockage within the ureter that drains urine from the kidney, the urologist may request that the radiologist places a stent within the ureter to allow urine to drain properly.
An external nephrostomy catheter is inserted and secured to allow drainage of the kidney into a small bag afterwards. The bag is small enough to be hidden under clothing and will not be noticeable.
Once the stent is confirmed to be functioning adequately, the nephrostomy catheter may be removed.
The procedure may be performed under general anaesthesia or light sedation.
You will be placed on your stomach on the X-ray table and after being given a sedative, local anesthetic is injected into the skin. Using ultrasound guidance, a small needle is advanced into the kidney and a special dye injected to outline the kidney.
If there is a blockage within the ureter that drains urine from the kidney, the urologist may request that the radiologist places a stent within the ureter to allow urine to drain properly.
An external nephrostomy catheter is inserted and secured to allow drainage of the kidney into a small bag afterwards. The bag is small enough to be hidden under clothing and will not be noticeable.
Once the stent is confirmed to be functioning adequately, the nephrostomy catheter may be removed.
The procedure may be performed under general anaesthesia or light sedation.
Special preparation for a Nephrostomy tube placement:
You will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
Have someone drive you to the hospital the morning of your exam.
Have someone drive you to the hospital the morning of your exam.
After the procedure:
You should be able to go home a few hours after the procedure. The collection bag will need to be emptied as it fills but this is a very simple task. The amount of time you will have the nephrostomy tube is dependent on several factors.
Please arrange for someone to pick you up after the procedure.
You might have them for a few days, others for many months. If you are a long-term patient, you will have to come back periodically for tube checks and catheter exchanges.
Please arrange for someone to pick you up after the procedure.
You might have them for a few days, others for many months. If you are a long-term patient, you will have to come back periodically for tube checks and catheter exchanges.
Radio-frequency ablations
Radio-frequency ablation [RFA] utilises heat emitted via a specially positioned electrode to destroy tumour cells. The procedure is performed either percutaneously or intra-operatively under CT or ultrasound guidance and is especially useful for treating inoperable liver tumours.
Varicocoele embolisation
Varicocoele embolisation:
Varicoceles can cause pain, swelling and infertility. Embolisation is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia and light sedation that safely relieves symptoms.
After numbing the skin with local anaesthetic, the interventional radiologist guides a catheter into position after which an embolic agent is used to block the vein. After the vessel has been successfully blocked, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding. Varicocoele embolisation takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
After numbing the skin with local anaesthetic, the interventional radiologist guides a catheter into position after which an embolic agent is used to block the vein. After the vessel has been successfully blocked, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding. Varicocoele embolisation takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
After the procedure:
You will be monitored for 3 to 4 hours and discharged. Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours of the procedure. The recovery time is shorter with embolisation than with surgery.