Delivering expert care through minimally invasive techniques to the wider Wellington Region

Based in Wellington and committed to patient well-being, Capital IR specialises in the latest advancements in radiology to provide exceptional diagnostic and therapeutic care.

Dr. Anthony Harris

MBChB, FRANZCR

Dr. Harris is a leading Interventional Radiologist in Wellington.

He received his foundational medical education at the University of Otago, followed by the completion of his specialty training in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology in 2018.

Dr. Harris further enhanced his skills through two years of advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive techniques at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

Currently, he holds positions at both Wellington Regional Hospital and Wakefield Hospital, where he is recognized for his considered patient centred approach across a broad range of procedures.

Dr. Harris collaborates closely with a dedicated team of specialists to ensure each patient receives exceptional care. He has cultivated a specific interest in embolotherapy (minimally invasive pin hole procedure to block off abnormal blood vessels) and interventional oncology, areas in which he continues to develop his expertise to better serve his patients.

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What is an Interventional Radiologist?

An Interventional Radiologist is a medical specialist who uses medical imaging to perform minimally invasive procedures. By utilizing such as X-rays, ultrasound and CT, Interventional Radiologists can diagnose and treat various health conditions effectively. Common procedures conducted by these specialists include angiography, the placement lines or tubes, stents, tumour ablation, and embolisation of blood vessels. Interventional Radiologist often work in a collaborative team with other specialists. This approach can result in faster recovery times and reduced risks compared to traditional surgical methods. Interventional radiologists undergo extensive training to perform these procedures and interpret imaging results accurately.

Treatments offered

Fibroid embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat noncancerous uterine fibroids, aimed at reducing symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. A radiologist threads a catheter to the uterine arteries and injects small particles to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviate symptoms.
Typically it offers a shorter recovery than procedures like hysterectomy. Patients may experience discomfort, but most return to normal activities within two weeks. Fibroid embolisation is a safe and effective option for managing fibroid-related symptoms while preserving the uterus.
Ovarian vein embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure for pelvic congestion syndrome and pelvic varicose veins. It involves inserting a catheter into the ovarian vein through a tiny pin hole incision.
The aim is to block or reduce blood flow by injecting materials like coils or polymers to close the vein, alleviating symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and improving circulation. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and has a short recovery time, allowing many patients to resume normal activities within days.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure to treat venous malformations by injecting a sclerosant into affected veins. This treatment closes off problematic blood vessels, causing them to collapse and shrink. Venous malformations can lead to swelling, pain, or impairment. Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and typically a day procedure.
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats enlarged scrotal veins (varicocele), which can cause pain and infertility. A catheter is inserted through a tiny pin hole incision and guided into the affected veins. Embolic agents are introduced to block blood flow in the abnormal veins. This redirects blood to healthier veins, alleviating symptoms and improving testicular health.
Tumor embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood vessels supplying certain tumors, reducing blood flow to shrink or kill them and control growth. It utilizes imaging techniques, like fluoroscopy to navigate a tiny catheter to the targeted vessel, where materials like particles or coils block it. This procedure is often used for tumors in the liver, kidneys, and lungs, sometimes combined with surgery or radiation.
Benefits include reduced bleeding during surgery, symptom relief, and potentially easier removal of inoperable tumors. Tumor embolization offers an effective option for treating specific cancers, improving patient outcomes.
Visceral aneurysm embolisation is a minimally invasive way to treat aneurysms in blood vessels supplying organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. The aim is to prevent the aneurysm rupturing, which can lead to life threatening bleeding.
An interventional radiologist makes a small cut in the groin to access the blood vessel and uses imaging guidance to place a catheter. This catheter delivers materials to reduce blood flow through the aneurysm while preserving blood flow to the organ.
Liver microwave ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for treating liver tumors using microwave energy to destroy cancer cells. A thin transducer is inserted through the skin into the tumour delivering heat to kill cells while sparing healthy tissue. Benefits include shorter recovery time, less blood loss, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery. Ablatioion may not suit all patients or tumor types, so discussions with healthcare providers is essential.
A port-a-cath insertion is a medical procedure where a small device called a port is placed under the skin for easy access to the bloodstream. The doctor makes a small cut, usually in the upper chest, and creates a space for the port. A catheter is then threaded from the port into a large vein allowing direct access to the central venous system. The port allows easy access for blood test or IV medications, such as chemotherapy can be given without repeated needle sticks.
An IVC filter, or inferior vena cava filter, is a medical device that prevents blood clots from reaching the lungs, which can cause serious issues. It's mainly used for patients who are at high risk for clots, like those with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or who cannot take blood thinners.
The filter is placed in the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. It looks like a small mesh cage that catches clots while still allowing blood to flow.
IVC filters can be permanent for long-term use or retrievable, which can be removed once safe to do so.
The IVC filter is placed via a catheter through a tiny pin hole incision in the groin or neck.
Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy (RIG) places a tube through the skin directly into the stomach for direct nutrition delivery, aiding patients who cannot eat orally due to conditions like neurological disorders or cancers.
Nephrostomy is a medical procedure that involves placing a tube through the skin into the kidney to drain urine. This is done when there's a blockage in the urinary tract that stops urine from flowing normally. Situations that may lead to a nephrostomy include kidney stones, tumors, or scarring in the urinary tract.
The tube is inserted with the help of imaging techniques, allowing urine to bypass the blockage. This helps to relieve pressure in the kidney and lowers the risk of infection. Some patients may need nephrostomy for a short period, while others might require it long-term if other treatments are not possible.
Ongoing management is important to make sure the tube stays clear and to avoid any complications.
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC) is a procedure that uses imaging to examine the bile ducts in the liver. It helps diagnose bile duct problems and check for blockages.
A thin needle is placed through the skin into the bile duct to inject a contrast dye, which makes the ducts visible on X-rays. PTC is done for patients with jaundice when the bile duct is blocked by stones or cancer.
A radiologist can unblock the bile duct by removing the stones or placing a drain or a stent to keep the bile ducts open.

Contact

Capital IR is proud to offer outstanding Interventional Radiology services and dedicated patient care to the wider Wellington region.

Email: Harris.IR@outlook.com

Address: Wakefield Hospital, Newtown, Wellington