All the papers that fill this issue of the journal relate to therapeutic methods belonging to the interventional radiology. It is a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology which uses minimally invasive methods to treat several illnesses; primarily cardiovascular and cancer diseases.

Interventional radiology developed on the border of radiology and surgery, combining some elements of both of these disciplines. Features which distinguish procedures performed by interventional radiologists from surgical operations are the different ways of reaching organs which require treatment. Cutting the skin and tissue dissection have been replaced by percutaneous puncture and introduction into the vascular system, urinary tract, genital tract or body cavities the precise microinstruments like balloon catheters, fiber lasers, baskets, scalpels, filters, stents and others. Interventional radiology procedures are less invasive than surgical. Usually do not require general anesthesia and are not associated with extensive blood loss or violation of tissues, therefore may also be performed in patients ineligible for surgery due to severe clinical condition.