HealthManagement, Volume 12 - Issue 4, 2012
Lisbon, Portugal played host in September tothe world’s largest and most comprehensivecongress on interventional radiology (IR). TheCIRSE Annual Congress and PostgraduateCourse (CIRSE 2012) was attended by over6,000 delegates from more than 80 countries– and its innovative and inspirational atmospheremade it a truly unmissable event.
CIRSE 2012 provided over 250 hours worthof state-of-the-art workshops, lectures and debatesbased around seven main themes –VascularInterventions, Transcatheter Embolisation,Interventional Oncology, Neuro Interventions,Non-Vascular Interventions, IR Managementand Imaging. Select sessions were also streamed live via the internet for the first time.
A wide range of sessions dedicated to neuro interventions were offered. The acute stroke treatment session examined the latest evidence for mechanical thrombectomy and stenting, and the exciting data on new devices such as stent retrievers. Valuable advice on the avoidance and management of complications was also given, as well as tips on how to optimise imaging and diagnosis. Stroke prevention: where do we stand in 2012? Examined the preventative role IR can play, with updates on advances in imaging and medical management. A clear indication of patients who may benefit from IR was given, as well as detailed discussion of both carotid and intracranial stenting techniques and outcomes.
As IR has moved from the realm of imaging and palliation towards curative treatments, a thorough understanding of clinical management has become essential. CIRSE catered for this with a number of dedicated sessions. Medicolegal issues and IR featured expert advice on the legal implications of off-label device usage and obtaining informed consent, how to effectively minimise complications and how to best deal with any lawsuits that may arise.
Clinical management of the diabetic foot featured recognised diabetic foot experts, who discussed the impact of the disease and the value of screening, as well as assessment, diagnostic work-up, multidisciplinary collaboration and revascularisation options.
CIRSE also provided dedicated sessions to impart the latest data. Imaging after ablation: what you need to know examined how to best follow-up cancer patients after thermal, radio- and chemoembolisation in the liver, lung and kidney. Vascular imaging discussed the pros and cons of a range of imaging modalities for specific vascular diseases, as well as presenting experimental data on innovative algorithms, such as dynamic CT/CTA for pop liteal artery entrapment syndrome.
As in past years, CIRSE 2012 attracted a large industry presence. Cutting-edge devices and equipment were showcased in the well-visited exhibition hall.
The arguably greatest achievement of the congress each year lies in its ability to inspire the experienced interventional radiologist and the novice alike. A special student programme was held during CIRSE 2012 alongside the advanced sessions giving undergraduate students from across Europe insights into the innovative medical field. The well-received programme was an important investment in the future of the discipline and provided students with complimentary registration and travel and accommodation grants.
Further updates are available on the association’s website: www.cirse.org
