This line is 1.33 millimetres thick.
That is how thin a 4 French catheter is. With it, interventional radiologists today treat many conditions that used to require surgery. In the podcast, Prof. Dr. Peter Minko and his colleagues explain how it works.
What brings you here?
Every episode comes with an article featuring images, interactive explainers and quotes that jump straight to the right moment in the conversation.
Treating pain in a targeted manner
Long paths to diagnosis, pain despite an artificial knee, and relief after a nerve block: Peter Minko and his colleague Dr. Elif Can discuss the possibilities and limitations of interventional pain therapy.
Dr. med. Elif Can, M.A.Read and listen Fibroids & Adenomyosis
Severe period pain, heavy bleeding, and often the phrase "Just pull yourself together." Dr. Cornelia Dewald explains what fibroids and adenomyosis are, how to reliably detect them, and why the uterus can often be preserved.
Dr. med. Cornelia DewaldRead and listen Chronic pain
Over 1.5 billion people have pain in their musculoskeletal system. Alexander Loizides from Innsbruck explains how he treats carpal tunnel syndrome through a 3-millimeter incision and how closing off tiny vessels can help with osteoarthritis and irritated tendons.
Dr. med. Alexander LoizidesRead and listen More than just images
Almost everyone is familiar with X-rays, CT, and MRI. Very few people know that radiologists also perform treatments. Prof. Thomas Helmberger, one of the pioneers of the specialty in Germany, explains how treatments through a small nick work, from strokes to liver tumors.
Prof. Dr. med. Thomas HelmbergerRead and listen The shorts from the episodes. Each clip leads to the full passage in the conversation.
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Every answer starts at exactly the right moment in the conversation.
Most asked
Try it yourself · 9 explainers
New from episode 04 · What can interventional pain therapy achieve?
The name
4 French = 1.33 mm
That is how thin the catheter is that gave the podcast its name. One French is a third of a millimetre.
Lines shown at roughly actual size
Step 1 · Access
Often a small access point to an artery is enough, for example in the groin.
Step 2 · Navigation
Contrast agent makes the vessels visible on the X-ray image. This lets radiologists steer the catheter to the exact spot that needs treatment.
Step 3 · Treatment
For example, fibroids. Dr. Cornelia Dewald explains how it works and who it is suitable for in episode 03.
Peter Minko is Professor of Interventional Radiology at Düsseldorf University Hospital. He treats patients through the blood vessels – medicine through a needle.
In 4French he talks with colleagues about a specialty that makes many treatments possible without a large incision, yet that hardly anyone knows about.
Thomas HelmbergerEpisode 01 · More than just images
Alexander LoizidesEpisode 02 · Chronic pain
Cornelia DewaldEpisode 03 · Fibroids & Adenomyosis
Elif CanEpisode 04 · Treating pain in a targeted mannerRelaxed throughout the procedure: Explanations as well as soothing visual and audio guidance for procedures performed under conscious sedation.
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