Interventional radiology and fluoroscopy utilisation trends in Ireland: A multi-centre analysis (2018-2023).

INTRODUCTION

This study addressed a significant knowledge gap regarding contemporary utilisation trends of fluoroscopy (FL) and interventional radiology (IR) in Ireland. Specifically, it aimed to (1) evaluate annual trends in adult FL and IR usage between 2018 and 2023, (2) analyse age-stratified utilisation patterns, and (3) identify the most frequently performed procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective, multi-centre analysis used data from the National Integrated Medical Imaging System, incorporating ten public hospitals across five Health Service Executive groups in Ireland. The dataset comprised adult FL, fluoroscopically guided IR, and intraoperative fluoroscopy in theatre (TH). Examinations were categorised by anatomical region and procedural intent. Annual volumes and procedure-specific utilisation were analysed. Polynomial regression assessed temporal trends, and Chi-square tests evaluated age distribution differences.

RESULTS

A total of 141,958 examinations were recorded. IR (44.21 %) and TH (44.58 %) comprised the majority; FL accounted for 11.21 %. Overall volumes showed a nonlinear trend: a 19 % decline (2018-2020) followed by a 33.6 % increase (2020-2023). IR was the least disrupted during the pandemic, decreasing only 5.3 % in 2020. Angiograms, PICC insertions, and pain injections were the most common IR procedures, while swallow studies dominated FL. Peak utilisation was observed in the 60-69 age group, with significant variation in procedure types across age cohorts.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of FL and IR trends in Ireland, highlighting increasing IR and theatre imaging post-pandemic, and declining FL usage, in line with global trends.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These insights support informed policy, planning, and service development.