Highlighting the increasing need for anaesthetic support in interventional radiology
Jonathan Hanly1, Hugo C Temperley2, Christopher O'Loughlin3
1Department of Radiology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
CVIR Endovascular
|November 28, 2025
Summary
Enhanced anaesthetic support is crucial for interventional radiology (IR) due to complex procedures. Increased anaesthesiologist involvement improves patient safety and outcomes, but workforce limitations hinder its implementation.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Procedure Optimization
Background:
- Interventional radiology (IR) is advancing, with more complex procedures indicated for high-risk patients.
- Anaesthetic expertise is vital for patient safety, procedural success, and managing complications in IR.
- Limited dedicated anaesthetic teams in IR raise concerns about patient safety and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the critical role of anaesthesia in interventional radiology.
- To evaluate the impact of anaesthetic involvement on procedural outcomes and patient safety.
- To identify challenges and benefits of integrating anaesthesiologists into IR workflows.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to September 2024.
- Analysis of existing literature on IR scope, anaesthetic support needs, and high-risk patient care.
- Evaluation of workforce limitations, logistical challenges, and benefits of anaesthesiologist integration.
Main Results:
- Anaesthesiologist presence in IR is linked to reduced procedural risks, improved patient satisfaction, and faster recovery.
- Many IR departments lack sufficient dedicated anaesthetic staff.
- Anaesthesiology training programs often overlook the specific demands of IR.
Conclusions:
- Expanded anaesthetic support is essential for the growing complexity of IR procedures.
- Hospitals should prioritize integrating anaesthetic teams into IR through training and workforce expansion.
- Increased anaesthesiologist involvement can significantly enhance patient outcomes and procedural efficiency in IR.
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