The expertise of interventional radiology specialists in a west of Ireland hospital recently took centre-stage at the world’s largest endovascular meeting.

With cameras focused on the Interventional Radiology Department of University Hospital Galway (UHG), more than 2,000 specialists watched on as consultant interventional radiologist Prof Gerry O’Sullivan performed a complex endovascular procedure.

The broadcast showcased the hospital’s reputation as a recognised leader in interventional radiology – the use of imaging with minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat certain conditions.

UHG is the only hospital in Ireland or the UK to broadcast live procedures to the meeting of LINC (Leipzig Interventional Congress), which took in Germany on January 27.

While 2,000 people attended the in-person event to watch the live broadcast from Galway, it is thought that thousands more viewed the procedure online. The hospital has been carrying out live case broadcasts for LINC, focusing on deep venous intervention, since 2013.

“It is an honour and a privilege to showcase the skill, expertise and teamwork demonstrated daily by our Interventional Radiology unit to a worldwide audience,” said Prof O’Sullivan.

“This year, our team showcased the Recana Device, the first fully integrated mechanical thrombectomy catheter specifically designed to treat in-stent restenosis, a condition in which veins narrow again after stenting.

“Last July, UHG became the first hospital in the world to successfully conduct the first patient trial of the Recana Device, which marked a significant advancement in the treatment of chronic venous disease.”

Interventional radiology is an independent medical specialty that provides minimally invasive, image-guided diagnosis and treatment across every organ system. Live cases were performed from numerous international centres and broadcast globally, highlighting advances in vascular care and innovation.

Original source: ie