Interventional radiology

Methods: Angiography, C-arm CT, ultrasound, navigation systems

Rotation Duration 2-3 months

Learning objectives

General learning objectives

  • Acquire basic knowledge to obtain specialist certification,
  • Perform simple angiographies and interventions independently with assistance

Specific learning objectives

  • Knowledge of the technique of digital subtraction angiography
  • Specific radiation protection measures for the examiner and patient
  • Knowledge of indications and contraindications of angiographic examinations and the most important radiological interventional procedures
  • Knowledge and implementation of pre- and post-operative care and information during interventions
  • Knowledge of the most important angiological clinical pictures and their radiological appearance
  • Knowledge of catheter techniques, contrast media and common materials
  • Knowledge and assessment of examination complications and risks
  • Knowledge of general and special measures in the event of complications
  • Knowledge of the effects, side effects and interactions of drugs used in angiography and interventional radiology, including their antidotes
  • Knowledge and assessment of the most important laboratory parameters
  • Knowledge and assessment of the value of non-invasive methods of vascular diagnostics and indications and contraindications of alternative treatment procedures in the vascular and non-vascular field (e.g. vascular surgery, endoscopic and urological interventions, drug therapies)
  • Knowledge of the most important current literature sources and the valid guidelines for individual examinations/therapies

Practical activity

  • Discussion with the referring colleague, study of the medical records, understanding of the problem and the aim of the intervention

  • Informing the patient

  • Follow-up care of the patient

  • Ultrasound-assisted vascular puncture

  • Learning the technique for retrograde vascular punctures

  • Handling of overview and selective catheters and common materials for diagnostic angiographies, angioplasties, punctures, drainages, intravenous access systems

  • Port implantations, tunnel catheter placement (incl. Kimal catheter), PICC line

  • Overview angiographies, preparation of therapeutic interventions, therapeutic interventions with assistance

In-depth rotation 3-18 months

Learning objectives

General learning objectives

  • Background service
  • Fellowship

Specific learning objectives

  • Deepening the knowledge acquired from the basic rotation
  • Work independently, safely and responsibly
  • Learning different navigation techniques (superimposition, 2D3D and 3D3D registration of CT and MRI data, C-arm CT techniques)
  • Ability to independently determine indications for all interventional radiology procedures
  • Safe performance of typical emergency interventions with the aim of use in the background service
  • Independent performance of all angiography and intervention techniques offered by the Institute

Practical activity

  • Learning the technique for antegrade vascular punctures

  • Learning techniques for alternative arterial access routes (transaxillary, transbrachial, transpedal) or to the portal vein system (translienal, percutaneous) or to the bile ducts

  • Handling of special interventional materials

  • Performing C-arm CT, interpreting the data and mastering post-processing

  • Use of C-arm CT data (incl. fusion) for image-guided therapy / learning different image guidance techniques

  • Carrying out consultations and making therapeutic decisions in interdisciplinary conferences

  • Carrying out complex therapeutic interventions