Quarterly update

Published on December 2024

Interventional Radiology (IR) has long been at the forefront of minimally invasive treatments, offering patients safer, quicker, and less painful alternatives to traditional surgeries. This specialty, while advancing patient care, also brings a new focus on ecological responsibility and sustainability within healthcare. The push towards “green radiology” is rooted in the increasing recognition of the environmental impacts associated with medical imaging and interventional procedures. As IR relies heavily on imaging technologies, it requires the use of substantial energy, single-use materials, and complex supply chains.

The concept of green radiology involves rethinking traditional approaches to reduce carbon footprints, waste generation, and resource consumption. One of the primary environmental challenges in IR is the reliance on disposable materials, including catheters, needles, and drapes, which contribute to a significant volume of biomedical waste. Recent efforts are examining ways to mitigate this impact by employing reusable materials, optimizing supply chain logistics, and implementing waste segregation practices to enhance recycling. Additionally, institutions are increasingly adopting protocols that reduce the duration and frequency of imaging without compromising patient outcomes.

Another critical area is radiation dose reduction, which not only protects patients and healthcare staff but also has environmental benefits by reducing energy usage and extending the lifespan of imaging equipment. Embracing digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, can further support green practices by optimizing procedure planning and minimizing unnecessary imaging.

Through these strategies, interventional radiology can continue to evolve not only as a field committed to patient-centered care but as a leader in sustainable healthcare practices. By integrating green radiology principles, IR professionals can play an essential role in promoting a healthier planet, aligning their work with both ecological values and cutting-edge medical care.

Below you will find the articles published in CVIR Endovascular on the subject, making a critical analysis of the situation and the possible solutions available to us to convert our rooms into more sustainable spaces

Quarterly Update 4: Complications in IR

Quarterly Update 3: Paediatric interventions

Quarterly Update 2: Urgent embolisation

Quarterly Update 1: Infertility

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