Tools of the Trade: What junior trainees need to know about equipment in interventional radiology

Abstract

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES: To review different types of specialised equipment such as puncture kits, catheters, sheaths, guidewires, balloons, stents and specialised prepared kits for various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in interventional radiology. DESCRIPTION: Junior trainees interested in interventional radiology often fi nd it diffi cult to get started in this subspecialty because they are unfamiliar with the various equipments that are used. Recent advances in technology of guidewires, catheters, balloons, stents and specialized kits mean that the use of various equipments are becoming increasingly complex and are constantly changing. The aim of this exhibit is to be a comprehensive review of basic interventional equipments as well as including updates of various recent advances in equipment technology. Not only will this be useful for trainees but also serve as an update to general radiologists who may have become unfamiliar with the recent developments. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive review will serve as a basic requisite for junior trainees. Armed with this knowledge, they should be competent at handling various equipments that are in routine interventional use.