The Impact of COVID-19 on Interventional Radiology Practice Worldwide: Results from a Global Survey

The Role of Interventional Radiology and Management of an Angiography Suite in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: Single-Center, 2-Year Experience

Background and Objectives: Hospital angiography suites with negative-pressure ventilation facilities are challenging to equip. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aimed to introduce interventional radiology procedures performed on COVID-19 patients and understand management of the angiography suite without a negative-pressure ventilation facility before and after the procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Materials and Methods: Between December 2020 and November 2022, 52 COVID-19 patients underwent interventional radiology procedures in an angiography suite, where no negative-pressure ventilation facility was installed. During the procedure, all staff members wore full personal protection equipment, and after the procedure for the COVID-19-positive patient was completed, the angiography suite was disinfected and entry to the angiography suite was prohibited for 1-3 h. In this angiography suite, procedures for COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients were performed. Results: A total of 61 interventional radiology procedures were performed in 52 patients with COVID-19. Of 52 patients, 21 underwent procedures under intubation and mechanical ventilation. All procedures were performed according to the guidelines set by the Infection Control Committee of our hospital. No major or minor complications were associated with the procedures. There were no cases of infection among staff members or other non-COVID-19 patients related to procedures on COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Interventional radiology can play an important role in solving the complications of COVID-19 and the problems caused by patients' underlying diseases. In addition, if accurate guidelines are followed, both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients can undergo procedures in an angiography room without negative-pressure ventilation while preventing infection.

Institutional Strategies to Maintain and Grow Imaging Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Understanding imaging research experiences, challenges, and strategies for academic radiology departments during and after COVID-19 is critical to prepare for future disruptive events. We summarize key insights and programmatic initiatives at major academic hospitals across the world, based on literature review and meetings of the Radiological Society of North America Vice Chairs of Research (RSNA VCR) group. Through expert discussion and case studies, we provide suggested guidelines to maintain and grow radiology research in the postpandemic era.

[Status and recommendations for interventional radiological procedures in COVID-19 patients]

BACKGROUND

Particularly at the beginning, the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic caused a reduction in the number of interventions in interventional radiology. At the same time, interventional training became more challenging. Infectious patients and disease transmission within interventional radiology departments continue to pose significant challenges.

OBJECTIVES

This article describes the status and recommendations for interventional radiological procedures in COVID-19 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Guidelines and recommendations from international and national societies as well as original works and reviews were evaluated.

RESULTS

Interventional radiological care of COVID-19 patients with complicated courses of infection has become established during the course of the pandemic. To protect patients and staff, interventions in COVID-19 patients should be prioritized, performed in separate procedure rooms if possible, and patients should be tested before interventions. Logistics, staff planning, and hygiene measures should be continuously optimized.

CONCLUSIONS

Structured workflows within interventional radiology in dealing with COVID-19 patients appear necessary to minimize infection risks and to guarantee the staff's work capability and health. In order to develop concepts for the handling of COVID-19 patients and to be prepared for potential upcoming waves of infections, recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and (inter-)national professional societies are helpful.