Work and Training Conditions of German Residents and Young Radiologists in Interventional Radiology - A Nationwide Survey.

With the increasing need for minimally invasive procedures based on lower complication rates, higher patient acceptance, and technical developments, there is a growing focus on the sound interventional training of young radiologists. This survey aimed to analyze the current situation in interventional radiology (IR) training in Germany to detect shortcomings and identify areas for improvement.From November 1-30, 2020, an online questionnaire was distributed to representative radiological associations and societies with the request to forward it to radiology residents and radiologists < 40 years. The 44 questions covered six distinct areas from personal working conditions to the characterization of the IR department, training conditions, role of women in IR, and attendance at congresses/external training.A total of 330 participants completed the questionnaire. 77 % of participants expressed a high interest in IR, and 47 % could even imagine subspecializing in interventional radiology. Most institutions provided the necessary learning conditions and infrastructure. The rate of overall satisfaction with IR training conditions was 45 % (vs. a dissatisfaction rate of 39 %). However, females showed a lower satisfaction rate with their training environment than male participants (28 % vs. 51 %; P = 0.06). Positive correlations with work satisfaction were found for the presence and duration of the IR rotation, the number of partly independently/mentored performed interventions, and structured feedback. Moreover, the need for a structured training curriculum was expressed by 67 % of participants.Radiological residents and young radiologists expressed a high interest in interventional radiology, and they rate the infrastructure of German hospitals regarding IR as sufficient. However, they expressed the need for consistent IR rotations and better-structured resident and postgraduate education (curricula & interviews).Interest in interventional radiology among radiological residents and young radiologists in Germany is high, but satisfaction with interventional radiology training leaves room for improvement. The most frequently mentioned aspects that can improve IR training were · organized rotations of at least 6 months. · structured curriculums with face-to-face feedback. · structured guidance by senior interventionists during procedures. CITATION FORMAT: · Sieren M, Katoh M, Mahnken AH et al. Work and Training Conditions of German Residents and Young Radiologists in Interventional Radiology - A Nationwide Survey. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 1346 - 1357.

[Transarterial Periarticular Embolization (TAPE): Indications and Initial Experience in Germany]. / Transarterielle periartikuläre Embolisation (TAPE): klinischer Einsatz und erste Erfahrungen in Deutschland.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential indications, procedural technique and initial results of the transarterial periarticular embolization (TAPE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: TAPE was performed in three patients with chronic pain in different joints. In the first case the patient suffered from osteoarthritis of the shoulder, in the second case from epicondylitis humeri ulnaris ("golfer-elbow") and in the third case from patellar tendinitis ("jumpers-knee"). Clinical as well as pain assessment was performed pre and post-interventionally. RESULTS: TAPE was performed with technical success in all three patients. For vessel access, either a transradial or transfemoral access was chosen. The joint supplying vessels were catheterized superselectively with microcatheters and embolized with Imipenem/Cilastatin diluted in contrast medium. After embolization of the knee the patient demonstrated skin redness, which disappeared within one week. No further complications were noted. All patients reported significant pain relief within the first day after intervention. CONCLUSION: TAPE is a novel therapy for the treatment of persistent, chronic joint pain and tendinopathies, supported by publications from institutes outside of Europe. The initial experiences made in our institute are encouraging and suggest that TAPE may have the potential as an adjunct therapy option for patients with therapy-resistant chronic joint and tendinopathy-pain. KEY POINTS: · TAPE is a novel therapy for treatment of degenerative joint pain and tendinopathies. · TAPE is a technically challenging endovascular procedure and requires high interventional expertise. · TAPE may have the potential to develop to a minimally-invasive therapy option for patients with chronic joint pain. CITATION FORMAT: · Katoh M, Schott P, Freyhardt P et al. Transarterial Periarticular Embolization (TAPE): Indications and Initial Experience in Germany. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 1046 - 1052.