We spoke to Prof. Roberto Iezzi and Dr. Pierleone Lucatelli, local hosts of the upcoming ESIR course, “Embolization: Coils, plugs, gelfoam and particles.” Cutting-edge insights and hands-on expertise converge in this course – whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or novice, discover how this upcoming course helps practitioners gain confidence and competence in their embolization skills.
CIRSE: What inspired you to develop a course focused on the essentials of embolization: Coils, plugs, gelfoam and particles?
Iezzi: Embolization represents a major arm of modern interventional radiology practice, growing in scope and complexity in different clinical scenarios as well as in life-threatening conditions.
In recent years, we have had advances in catheter technology, the introduction of new embolic agents, and devices, and improvements in their clinical applications.
As devices for non-liquid embolization are the most commonly used in embolization, their comprehensive understanding and practical knowledge are mandatory for every interventional radiologist.
Accordingly, we decided to hold a course focused on this interesting and evergreen topic, with the aim to significantly improve the everyday clinical practice of all IRs.
Lucatelli: We developed this course, because as IRs, we should never stop learning. Even with instruments we use daily, there is always the possibility of overlooking the most recent developments or not fully comprehending how they work. Courses like these help IRs optimally use their existing tools and techniques, discover new ones, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field.
CIRSE: Could you provide an overview of the key topics that participants will delve into during this comprehensive course?
Iezzi: The course will provide a comprehensive understanding and practical knowledge of all non-liquid embolic devices for optimal and safe use in different scenarios. It is well known that gelfoam, coils, particles, and plugs comprise the interventional radiologists’ armamentarium for managing different clinical scenarios. We will discuss how to select the best device for each clinical indication, discuss with experts, and learn from their complex cases or worst mistakes. We will also discuss how to enhance their advantages and avoid potential procedural device-related complications.
Lucatelli: One of the major advantages of this small course is having the ability to engage all participants, both novices and experts, in a fruitful discussion, fostering a highly interactive learning environment. Participants will have the chance to discuss advantages, disadvantages, and valuable tips and tricks while being immersed in the expertise of seasoned IRs.
CIRSE: In the realm of utilizing coils, plugs, gelfoam, and particles, what are some prevalent challenges that practitioners often encounter?
Iezzi: Different materials, sizes, and lengths could influence the mechanism of action of different devices. Testing all these characteristics with simulators, ex-vivo models, and in particular with in-vivo training sessions could allow IRs to refine or correct their working technique or experience, improving their knowledge and technical skills.
Lucatelli: Typically, not all hospitals are equipped with the complete array of materials. However, in this course, you’ll have the opportunity to test all the theoretical aspects of various selected materials from different companies in a real-world, in-vivo setting.
CIRSE: What can participants expect to experience and gain from this course?
Iezzi: All attendees will improve their knowledge of each non-liquid device: how they theoretically work, which is the best way to use them, and learn tips and tricks from experts.
Training in real in-vivo models, IRs will also gain the expertise needed to manage these products, improve the infusion/release technique, and experience how they work with different microcatheters, in different vessels, in different conditions.
All these aspects will allow them to improve their ability in performing these procedures with different devices, to obtain a safer and more effective embolization.
Lucatelli: Further, participants will go home with a better and deeper understanding of the diverse range of materials available on the market.
CIRSE: What distinguishes the latest iteration of this course from previous courses, and what innovative elements have been incorporated to enhance the learning experience?
Iezzi: We worked hard to offer a more interactive, practical, and useful course, increasing time dedicated to training in real in-vivo models. We involved more vendors to provide a well-rounded opportunity to use several various devices. Furthermore, we invited a dynamic, well-trained, experienced faculty to create a friendly atmosphere where we share our experiences and learn from each other.
Lucatelli: Close interaction between novices and experts is the pivotal strength of this course. Made for the young, taught by experts.
CIRSE: In what ways do animal labs contribute to the overall effectiveness and understanding of the course material?
Iezzi: Due to the similarity between pig and human anatomy, pigs will be used in the in-vivo workshops to learn how to deal with gelfoam, coils, particles, and plugs. Having the opportunity to use many coils or plugs, differing in diameter, length, and characteristics, allows us to improve our way of acting, increasing confidence in using all of them and accelerating our learning curve.
Lucatelli: Live animals, like pigs, are an ideal model in which to practice with embolization and device positioning. No other non-living model can replicate the authentic tactile experience bridging theory to direct practice!
CIRSE: What sets the IHU venue apart, and why do you believe interventional radiologists should consider traveling to Strasbourg for this course?
Iezzi: The IHU venue offers R&D laboratories, experimental operating rooms, and innovative operating theatres – everything in a modern venue, where exceptional research capabilities are brought together with support for clinical management.
These facilities offer the possibility of having in-vivo sessions in animal labs performing different embolizations in different vessels/clinical scenarios under X-ray guidance. Further, such a facility allows us to have ex-vivo workshops, training sessions on models and simulators, face-to-face discussions with faculty experts, and parallel stations to learn about different devices.
Lucatelli: Beyond this, we’ll have an up-to-date angio suite dedicated to our comprehensive day-long material testing…what more could you ask for?
CIRSE: What aspects of the March course are you particularly excited about and looking forward to?
Iezzi: I am very excited and I can’t wait to experience again two days in which it is possible to discuss devices and procedures, compare myself and my experience with colleagues from different countries, learn from different experiences, and be able to freely use dozens of coils, plugs, particles, and gelfoam as I prefer. The social events at this course will also make the time spent together even more pleasant.
So, don’t wait and register now for the next ESIR course in Strasbourg.
Don’t miss this opportunity!
Lucatelli: Every time we organize such an event, we discover that engaging discussions among panelist and attendees not only enhance the overall experience but also contribute to the improvement of our own skills! I’m eagerly anticipating to having another great session together where collective insights foster a great learning environment.
Meet Prof. Iezzi and Dr. Lucatelli and other leading experts at the Essentials of embolization: coils, plugs, gelfoam and particles course!
