Vascular Surgeon vs Interventional Radiologist: What's the Difference? Q: What does a vascular surgeon do? A vascular surgeon treats diseases of the arteries and veins, using both open surgery and some minimally invasive methods. Bypass operations and artery repairs are typical examples. Q: What does an interventional radiologist do? An interventional radiologist uses imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound and CT to guide thin catheters and needles inside the body. Most procedures need only a tiny puncture, so there are no large cuts. Q: Which conditions can an interventional radiologist treat? Varicose veins, blocked leg arteries, blood clots, fibroids, enlarged prostate and certain liver tumours. An interventional radiologist in Pune can often treat these without surgery or a long hospital stay. Q: Does an interventional radiologist also treat vascular problems? Yes. Angioplasty, stenting and clot removal are everyday procedures for them. So a vascular specialist in Pune may come from either background, and the best choice depends on your condition. Q: How do I decide whom to see? If you need open surgery, such as a bypass, a vascular surgeon is the natural choice. If your problem can be fixed through a small puncture, an interventional radiologist is often a good fit. Many cases can be treated either way. Unsure which specialist you need? Consult Dr. Santosh Patil for an honest assessment and the right treatment path for you.