The Contemporary Role of Interventional Radiologists in Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Survey of CIRSE Members

To describe the outcomes of a survey conducted among CIRSE members on endovascular aortic repair and to outline the future practice and needs of CIRSE members in this area.

An anonymous online survey with 21 questions was designed by the authors and sent to CIRSE members worldwide; data were collected for 12 weeks.

The survey collected 326 complete responses, with most respondents practicing in Europe. Two-thirds of respondents indicated that aortic repair is performed by multidisciplinary teams including IRs, with more than half reporting that they are equal partners in performing the procedure, and 27% acting as primary operators. In their practice, the most frequently performed endovascular aortic procedures were EVAR and embolisation of endoleaks, followed by FEVAR and TEVAR. A majority of 64% of respondents predict a growth in their endovascular aortic practice in the next 5 to 10 years that could further be supported by training, an increase in the workforce, societal guidelines, and additional qualifications. Hindrances for growth include turf competition as well as hospital management decisions.

The survey indicates that Interventional Radiologists continue to play a significant role in endovascular aortic procedures and identifies challenges and opportunities to further increase the role of IR in endovascular aortic aneurysm procedures for the benefit of patients. The authors consider it essential for national societies as well as CIRSE to facilitate and encourage the clinical role of IRs in standard and complex EVAR to best guide future developments for optimal patient management in aortic disease.