Current Practice Patterns and Barriers to Intravascular Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Interventions: Insights from a...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Intravascular imaging (IVI) is evidence-based for guiding complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
• Adoption rates and barriers to IVI use in Canadian catheterization laboratories are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current adoption and identify barriers to the use of IVI in guiding complex PCI across Canada.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to directors of catheterization laboratories nationwide.
• Data collected included IVI integration, operator experience, perceived impact, and barriers to use.

Main Results:

• 68% of labs reported IVI integration, with generally experienced operators.
• The majority of directors perceived IVI positively, but adoption showed only a slight upward trend (15.6% to 19.1%).
• Key barriers identified were increased procedure time (76%), cost (67%), and reimbursement (48%).

Conclusions:

• Despite availability, IVI remains underused in Canadian catheterization labs due to practical barriers.
• Coordinated stakeholder efforts are required to overcome these barriers and promote guideline-concordant IVI adoption.