In the ever-evolving field of diagnostic and interventional radiology, leadership plays a crucial role in steering these services towards excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care. At SCP Radiology Cape Gate, that leadership is embodied by Dr Arthur Winter, a radiologist whose clinical acumen and commitment to expanding interventional radiology have transformed the branch into a growing hub for advanced, minimally invasive procedures.

As Branch Manager of SCP Radiology Cape Gate, Dr Winter not only contributes a wealth of experience and specialist training, but also a clear vision for integrated, interventional care that supports referring clinicians in managing complex pathologies.

His focus on expanding local access to interventional radiology (IR) has positioned the Cape Gate branch as an interventional radiology hub and a dependable resource for general practitioners, specialist physicians, neurologists, surgeons, and other referrers seeking collaborative, image-guided treatment for their patients.

A strong clinical and academic foundation

Dr Winter completed his medical degree at the University of Stellenbosch and his radiology specialisation at the University of Pretoria. Early in his training, he developed a keen interest in interventional procedures and the transformative role radiologists can play in direct patient care through minimally invasive techniques.

His passion for IR led him to pursue further international training, most notably the Pierre Lasjaunias Neurovascular PLANET Course, a prestigious and highly selective programme that offers in-depth exposure to neuro-interventional techniques. This training has equipped him with a sophisticated understanding of cerebral vascular pathology and image-guided therapies.

The PLANET course, named after the pioneering interventional neuroradiologist Pierre Lasjaunias, is known for its focus on mastering the principles, anatomy, and procedural nuances of neurovascular interventions.

Following in the footsteps of renowned neuro-intervention pioneer Prof. Pieter Fourie, Dr Winter also headed the General Interventional and Neuro-Interventional Unit at Unitas Hospital in Gauteng for 12 years before joining SCP, and actively contributed to the South African Neuro-Intervention Society.

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Establishing Cape Gate as an interventional radiology hub

Since stepping into his role as Branch Manager, Dr Winter has made significant strides in expanding the branch’s capacity to deliver image-guided interventional services. Alongside fellow interventional radiologists Braham van der Merwe, Henno Schoombee, and Mauritz Venter, he has established SCP Radiology Cape Gate as a trusted centre for interventional procedures.

These include but are not limited to:

• mechanical thrombectomy, which is often performed in addition to thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke;

• endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment, with which neuro-interventionists can effectively treat the vast majority of aneurysms;

• treatment and guidance on arteriovenous malformations (AVM);

• pre-surgical tumour embolisation;

• epistaxis embolisation;
• inferior petrosal sinus sampling;

• transverse sinus stenting, which is a treatment for benign intracranial hypertension or pulsatile tinnitus;

• transcatheter embolisation;

• pain management techniques, such as coeliac plexus and nerve root blocks;

• advanced-technique biopsies such as lung and bone marrow biopsies.

“Interventional radiology is fundamentally about patient access to treatment options and faster recovery,” says Dr Winter. “By strengthening this service for referring clinicians and their patients, we believe we can make a meaningful difference in the care pathway for some patients.”

Collaborating with referring clinicians

Dr Winter has placed strong emphasis on building robust partnerships with clinicians across disciplines and a collaborative network that prioritises clinical appropriateness, safety, and patient outcomes. After all, radiologists have always offered imaging or intervention that fits within the wider context of a patient’s treatment. This will never change.

Looking ahead, Dr Winter envisions establishing the Cape Gate branch as a known centre of excellence for advanced interventional radiology within the care network, especially as technology and continued research allow it to evolve. He would welcome referring specialists wanting to arrange a visit to the branch.

In a healthcare environment increasingly focused on efficiency and minimally invasive treatment, SCP believes this interventional focus is both timely and transformative, enhancing the scope and quality of care available to the broader clinical community.

For more information about services, referrals and bookings, contact SCP Radiology Cape Gate at capegate@scp.co.za or on 021 983 1680.

• This article is intended to create awareness and none of the information it contains should replace the need for seeking personal advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
• Apart from selected screening examinations, all radiology procedures are performed upon referral from a qualified medical professional.