Interventional procedures for global health radiology
Diagnostic imaging has revolutionized modern medicine; however, its availability is limited or nonexistent in developing countries. Though the evolution of minimally invasive interventional radiological procedures has allowed unique therapies to minimize or obviate the need for morbid open surgeries, there remain significant obstacles that must be overcome to safely and practically implement these procedures in the developing world. Careful consideration to resource allocation, personnel training, and procedural selection is crucial to maintain a safe and sustainable IR practice in the underserved world. Financial requirements may be mitigated by a careful needs-based analysis and reliance on cost-effective modalities. Alternative and durable training schemes involving long-term partnerships with developing institutions and implementing medical simulation training can be used to overcome the practical and ethical limitations of traditional training methods in the underdeveloped world. IR practice in the austere environment, including in combat, as well as effective mobile healthcare programs can be used as framework in establishing practices in impoverished nations. Creative implementation of the most basic and relatively inexpensive radiological equipment has made interventional procedures possible in the underserved world; commonly performed procedures in developed nations can be modified as a lower-cost technique with minimal changes in efficacy or safety. The exhibit will further detail the strategies outlined above. Through careful planning and innovative techniques, local providers in impoverished nations can have access to the training and equipment necessary to offer lifesaving, minimally invasive procedures. With creative modifications to traditional IR procedures and healthcare delivery, the interventional radiologist can make significant medical contributions to the global community.