Vascular access and closure (2025)

Description

Authors: E. Kehagias & C. Wissgott

Reviewers: C. Nice, F. Wolf, K. Zelenak, S. Duvnjak & R. Uberoi

This course corresponds to chapter 2.2.1.1.1 Peripheral arterial disease in the European Curriculum and Syllabus for Interventional Radiology.

Abstract

Vascular access is an important first step in IR procedures and sometimes may prolong the entire procedure. Manual compression of the puncture site at groin level with a compressing bandage is still a widespread gold standard for smaller access sizes like 4 or 5 F. Using a vascular closure device increases safety of percutaneous access management for larger access sizes, makes follow up easier, and enhances patient comfort by reducing the time of immobilization; however, it does bring additional costs.

This module gives an overview of established vascular access techniques and vascular closure devices and describes their pros and cons as well as device-related complications. It further focuses on groin access, since the majority of vascular closure devices are limited to closing the common femoral artery. After completing this module, the reader will be able to identify the options for arterial access, as well as the role of currently available arterial closure devices.

Learning objectives

• Understand the bony and soft tissue anatomy of arterial punctures sites and recognize their importance in avoiding complications of arterial puncture when accessing the:
  • Common femoral artery
  • Brachial artery
  • Radial or ulnar artery
  • Popliteal artery
  • Pedal arteries
  • Axillary artery
  • Common carotid artery
• Have a plan for optimal vascular access
• Learn about puncture site complications and management
• Understand the techniques for so-called vascular pre-closure

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 Interventional Radiology and corresponds to chapter 2.2.1.1.1 Peripheral arterial 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 half hours is accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) to award 1.5 European CME credits (ECMEC). Please note that this course will be taken offline on August 25, 2030.

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: August 2025