The International Day of Radiology took place on Friday 8th November and is an annual event which aims to increase awareness of the value that radiology contributes to patient care, and improve understanding of the vital role that radiologists play in healthcare.
Bella Huasen, is a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and the only female consultant in interventional radiology in the North West.
Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive speciality that uses imaging, including X-rays and ultrasound, which guide the operator to preform operations. This is often a much quicker and safer alternative to traditional surgery, resulting in better outcomes for patients and shorter stays in hospital. Interventional radiology can treat various conditions, and is split into aortic, peripheral, venous, oncology, gastro-urinary, and paediatrics.
Bella said: “Our techniques are some of the most advanced in clinical medicine. It’s one of the most advancing sub specialities and we are able to cover all sexes and age groups. My role is in endovascular and interventional radiology; covering the regional vascular and trauma services at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.”
“I am also the endovascular lead for research in the organisation. This enables me to speak internationally for various congresses on endovascular work/procedures and improving patient care, as well as being “a key opinion leader” on mechanical thrombectomy (removal of clot from the body in the peripheral system). I am lucky to be involved in various research and publication projects which are sharing best practice and, ultimately, improving patient care. As a research centre, it is important for us at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals to lead the way in this area.”
“At Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, we have performed some of the first interventional radiology procedures in the country. Most recently, this includes the first peripheral lithotripsy (removing calcium which is blocking arteries in the leg) on a patient with vascular disease. This work wouldn’t be possible without interventional radiology; which can be truly lifesaving.”
“We run national and international courses at Royal Preston Hospital for doctors and nurses who want to improve their technique or current practice, and were recently on social media for our carotid stenting techniques.”
“Interventional radiology is never boring and you never do the same thing over and over! You directly save lives whether it’s via embolisation (blocking) for trauma and bleeders, or stenting (covered tubes) ruptured and dissection to removing clot that’s blocking blood flow, interventional radiologists are always involved and at the front line. I am proud to be the only female interventional radiologist in the North West; and would love to inspire others into the career which is extremely rewarding, interesting and impactful.”