When radiographers participate in EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair

Beskrivelse

Introduction:

Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital (OUH) was first in Denmark to offer endovascular treatment of a ruptured Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm (rAAA). The treatment was introduced in October 2012 and has been available as a round-the-clock service ever since, as the only place in Denmark.

The procedure is interdisciplinary and is highly dependent on teamwork between the vascular surgeons, the anaesthetic team and the radiologic team in which radiographers are important contributors.

The radiographer’s role is to contribute with expertise, knowledge and having total responsibility for handling the x-ray equipment during the entire procedure as well as preparing and handling the stent graft.

A cost benefit analysis has shown that this treatment is more expensive than traditional surgery (approx 2.700 EUR), primarily due to the higher price of the stent graft.
In this analysis only the cost of the actual treatment is considered. The benefits for the patient such as lower mortality rate, less pain and faster recreation etc. are not valued.

Method:

The procedure is performed in local anaesthesia where the radiologist places the stent graft fluoroscopy guided in the abdominal aorta to exclude the aneurysm thus avoiding general anaesthesia and open surgery.



Conclusion:

So far 38 patients have undergone treatment for rAAA using this method, resulting in a better outcome for the patient with a mortality rate of 7% versus 30-35% when traditional open surgery in full anaesthesia is performed.

Participating in this procedure requires highly skilled and experienced radiographers. If complications occur during the procedure, it is of utmost importance with an experienced team who has a vast knowledge of materials allowing for other possibilities to be explored.

Periode	14. jun. 2014
Begivenhedstitel	18th International Society of Radiographers & Radiological Technologists World Congress: Optimizing for Better Care
Begivenhedstype	Konference
Placering	Helsinki, Finland