Current practices in elective embolisation: insights from a UK national cross-sectional survey

IF 2 3区医学 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Clinical radiology Pub Date : 2026-12-01 Epub Date: 2026-09-26 DOI:10.1016/j.crad.2026.107489

N. Aghtarafi, F. Sheehan, C. Grieco, R. Lakshminarayan, M. Hamady, S. Travis

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the national landscape of elective embolisation services in the UK and identify factors affecting service delivery and expansion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey comprising 19 structured questions exploring the current provision of arterial and venous elective embolisation procedures, service capacity, resource availability, and training was distributed to approximately 1,000 members of a national society in March 2025. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-five responses from 54 UK National Health Service (NHS) Trusts were analysed, predominantly from consultant interventional radiologists (85%), working in tertiary centres (62%), district general hospitals (24%), or both (14%). Elective arterial and venous embolisation procedures were widely performed, most commonly uterine artery (94%), renal angiomyolipoma (92%), visceral aneurysm (89%), and varicocele (98%) embolisation. Tumour, type II endoleak, prostate artery, and arteriovenous malformation embolisation were performed significantly more frequently in tertiary centres (P < .05). Most reported access to day-case beds (87%) and clinic time (84%), although provision was frequently perceived as insufficient. While 63% expressed a desire to expand services, key barriers included funding (55%), inadequate referral pathways (45%), bed capacity (39% day-case; 37% inpatient), emergency workload (36%), and workforce shortages (36% radiologists; 36% nurses/radiographers). Qualitative feedback highlighted resource limitations, regional disparities, and the need for more flexible training pathways.

CONCLUSION

Sustainable expansion of elective embolisation across the UK requires clinically integrated interventional radiology (IR) services, protected capacity, infrastructure and workforce investment, regional networks, standardisation, flexible training, and systematic evaluation.

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选择性栓塞术的当前实践：来自英国全国横断面调查的见解。

目的：本研究的目的是评估英国选择性栓塞服务的国家景观，并确定影响服务提供和扩展的因素。材料和方法：2025年3月，一项在线横断面调查包括19个结构化问题，探讨了动脉和静脉选择性栓塞手术的现状、服务能力、资源可用性和培训，该调查分发给了一个国家协会的大约1000名成员。进行了定量和定性分析。结果：分析了来自54家英国国民健康服务（NHS）信托基金的85份回复，主要来自顾问介入放射科医生（85%），在三级中心工作（62%），地区综合医院（24%），或两者兼有（14%）。选择性动脉和静脉栓塞手术被广泛应用，最常见的是子宫动脉栓塞（94%）、肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤（92%）、内脏动脉瘤栓塞（89%）和精索静脉曲张栓塞（98%）。肿瘤、II型内漏、前列腺动脉和动静脉畸形栓塞在三级中心更为常见（P < 0.05）。大多数人报告获得日间病例床位（87%）和门诊时间（84%），尽管常常被认为不足。虽然63%的人表示希望扩大服务，但主要障碍包括资金（55%）、转诊途径不足（45%）、床位（39%日间病例；37%住院病人）、急诊工作量（36%）和劳动力短缺（放射科医生36%；护士/放射技师36%）。质量反馈强调了资源限制、区域差异和需要更灵活的培训途径。结论：选择性栓塞在英国的可持续扩展需要临床综合介入放射学（IR）服务、保护能力、基础设施和劳动力投资、区域网络、标准化、灵活培训和系统评估。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Clinical radiology 医学-核医学

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

3.80%

发文量

528

审稿时长

76 days

期刊介绍： Clinical Radiology is published by Elsevier on behalf of The Royal College of Radiologists. Clinical Radiology is an International Journal bringing you original research, editorials and review articles on all aspects of diagnostic imaging, including: • Computed tomography • Magnetic resonance imaging • Ultrasonography • Digital radiology • Interventional radiology • Radiography • Nuclear medicine Papers on radiological protection, quality assurance, audit in radiology and matters relating to radiological training and education are also included. In addition, each issue contains correspondence, book reviews and notices of forthcoming events.