Availability of Transcatheter Vessel Occlusion Performed by Interventional Radiologists to Treat Bleeding in Germany in the Years 2016 and 2017 - An Analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data.

PURPOSE:  Acute bleeding is a life-threatening condition that can be effectively treated minimally invasively by interventional radiologists using transcatheter vessel occlusion (TCVO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the availability of TCVO performed by interventional radiologists in Germany based on the DeGIR registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  TCVO interventions from the years 2016 and 2017 were included (DeGIR module B). The number of interventions was assessed by state and region. RESULTS:  TCVO interventions were reported by 242 clinics in Germany. 16 763 module B interventions were reported in 2016 and 16 399 in 2017. DeGIR requirements for certification as a training center were fulfilled by 160 facilities in 2016 and by 162 facilities in 2017. Normalized to one million citizens, an average of 211 TCVO interventions were performed in 2016 and 200 in 2017 (standard deviation was 101 and 109); the median was 202 and 222, respectively. In all regions TCVO interventions were reported. Only a minimal number of small regions showed a lower number of clinics offering TCVO interventions. CONCLUSION:  The results from the DeGIR registry indicate comprehensive nationwide availability of TCVO performed by interventional radiologists with the necessary experience in Germany on the state level for the treatment of acute bleeding. Furthermore, the distribution of facilities fulfilling the requirements of training centers allows for good educational possibilities for young interventional radiologists in Germany. Only the distribution of clinics offering TCVO in a few small regions might lead to increased transfer times in the case of acute bleeding. KEY POINTS: · As a treatment for life-threatening acute bleeding in Germany, transcatheter vessel occlusion led by interventional radiologists is readily available on the state level.. · Furthermore, the distribution of facilities fulfilling the requirements of training centers allows for good educational possibilities for young interventional radiologists in Germany.. · Due to the good training conditions in Germany, it might be possible to further improve the situation in smaller regions by training more interventional radiologists and employing them in regions with less coverage.. CITATION FORMAT: · Nadjiri J, Schachtner B, Bücker A et al. Availability of Transcatheter Vessel Occlusion Performed by Interventional Radiologists to Treat Bleeding in Germany in the Years 2016 and 2017 - An Analysis of the DeGIR Registry Data. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 952 - 960.      «

PURPOSE:  Acute bleeding is a life-threatening condition that can be effectively treated minimally invasively by interventional radiologists using transcatheter vessel occlusion (TCVO). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the availability of TCVO performed by interventional radiologists in Germany based on the DeGIR registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  TCVO interventions from the years 2016 and 2017 were included (DeGIR module B). The number of interventions was assessed by state and region....     »