Thoraco-abdominal aneurysms (CME) – online course

Description

Authors: H. Kobeiter and E. L. G. Verhoeven

Reviewers: A. Chavan, M. Das, M. Hamady, C. Nice and T. Pfammatter

This course corresponds to chapter 2.2.1.1.3 Acute aortic syndromes and aneurysmal disease in the European Curriculum and Syllabus for IR.

Abstract

This course gives an insight into the treatment of probably the most complex vascular pathology, i.e., the thoraco-abdominal aneurysm (TAAA). The field has evolved enormously in the last two decades, stimulated not only by the evolution of endovascular techniques but also by progress in adjunctive techniques in open surgery. Literature often represents the results of expert high-volume centres in selected patients, which cannot be matched in the real world. Without a doubt, treatment of this complex pathology should be centralised in a few high-volume centres.

Balancing all options in order to be able to advise patients correctly is mandatory, and aggressive early treatment is obsolete. In general, as aneurysm treatment is a preventive procedure, it is good to bear in mind that only patients who survive at least two years, with a preserved quality of life, benefit from an invasive procedure. Treatment of TAAA always carries a substantial risk of mortality and paraplegia as well as cardiac, renal, and pulmonary complications. Therefore, balancing the pros and cons of active treatment and conservative treatment is more complex than in standard abdominal aneurysms; this is too often forgotten!

Learning objectives

• To know the classification of TAAA
• To learn the modalities of investigations (pre-op and follow-up)
• To know the therapeutic options of TAAA
• To learn the most common complications after TAAA treatment
• To know short, mid and long-term results of TAAA treatment

Further information

This course covers a basic level of IR knowledge and is designed for trainees, students or young consultants aiming to acquire essential knowledge or prepare for the EBIR exam. Thereby, it is tailored to the European Curriculum and Syllabus for IR and corresponds to chapter 2.2.1.1.3 Acute aortic syndromes and aneurysmal disease.

The format of the course is interactive and easy to use, including texts, graphics, videos and a quiz to support your learning. The course duration is around one hour and is accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) to award 1 European CME credit (ECMEC). The CME accreditation for this course will expire on March 15, 2025. A non-CME accredited version of the course will remain available for two more years.

The acquired CME Certificate will be available in the myCIRSE area under CIRSE Academy.

The enrolment period of this course is linked to the validity of the All-Access Pass.

Release date: March 2023