An Australian First: Intracept™ Coming to Spectrum
Spectrum Interventional Radiology will be the first in Australia to introduce Boston Scientific’s Intracept™ Procedure — basivertebral nerve ablation for vertebrogenic low back pain. Dr Hao Xiang, Dr Chandra Annabattula, Dr Glen Schlaphoff and Dr Anthony Logaraj have completed training on the system, and as an adjunct to vertebroplasty it will become a valuable tool for the treatment of anterior column, endplate and discogenic pain.
Our team recently travelled to the inaugural VENTI held in November 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. Here we learned about trans-arterial microembolisation (TAME) from it’s inventor, Dr Yuji Okuno and a leading team of international experts. Dr Ross Copping also presented on our experience of genicular artery embolisation (GAE) from a transpedal approach.
TAME is a promising new technique to treat chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. The most studied application is in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with genicular artery embolisation. Other promising areas include treatment for frozen shoulder and plantar fascsiitis. If you would like to explore this new treatment contact our team today to arrange a consultation.
Dr Shady Osman, Dr Hao Xiang, Dr Ross Copping, Dr Akshay Kohli and Dr Chandra AnnabattulaDr Ross Copping presenting on transpedal GAETokyo, Japan
September 2025 • Barcelona, Spain
CIRSE 2025
Dr Hao Xiang, Dr Bryan Barry and Dr Chandra Annabattula attended the CIRSE congress in Barcelona Spain in September 2025. Here the team learned about the latest advances in interventional radiology from the peak European body. Specific topics of interest included combining locoregional liver directed therapies with immunotherapy for synergistic effects, trans-arterial microembolisation (TAME) for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and embolisation/RFA for treatment of thyroid disease. Hopefully these advances will make their way to our patients in the not too distant future.
Special congratulations to Dr Chandra Annabattula for presenting on the landscape of Australian IR on behalf of Dr Akshay Kohli. After a week of learning the team enjoyed the rest of their time in Spain, touring the countryside and many fine dining establishments in the Basque Country around San Sebastien and Bilbao.
7 September 2025 • Melbourne
IRSA 2025 Scientific Meeting
We congratulate Dr Hao Xiang and Dr Chandra Annabattula on their presentations at the recent IRSA 2025 Scientific Meeting held in Melbourne. Dr Xiang delivered presentations on prostate artery embolisation workup, trans-arterial chemoembolisation, and cryoablation of soft tissue masses, whilst also facilitating a hands-on cryoablation workshop in partnership with Boston Scientific. Dr Annabattula presented on ablation techniques in interventional oncology and the management of haemoptysis.
The Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia (IRSA) serves as the premier professional body for interventional radiologists across Australia and New Zealand. Our specialists have been regular contributors to IRSA’s annual scientific meetings, reflecting our ongoing commitment to advancing interventional radiology practice and education throughout the region. Congratulations team!
