LAUSR

Dear Editor, A growing body of clinical evidence underlines the potential of stroke thrombectomy (ST) to significantly improve the recovery of stroke patients, when performed swiftly by skilled clinicians. Interventional radiologists (IRs) offer a unique skillset and knowledge in endovascular interventions to quickly learn new treatment techniques such as ST, and would be perfectly placed to meet the increasing demand for ST. Interventional radiology has thus the potential to become a valuable part of local stroke management systems across Europe [1, 2]. Current challenges for IRs becoming key players in European stroke management were identified by the leadership of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE). These include the absence of an established training structure for interventional radiologists performing ST, a strong dependence on local conditions, limited 24/7 coverage as well as varying opinions on the desired involvement of IR in ST. To assess the level of interest and involvement by IRs in ST across Europe, CIRSE conducted a survey on the current situation of stroke thrombectomy practice among European interventional radiologists. An anonymous online survey was made available to all European CIRSE members to assess their current involvement in stroke therapies, the situation at their hospital including training in ST, and cooperation with other specialities as well as expectations for the future development of stroke thrombectomy. A total of 601 valid responses were collected, which represents a very high response rate (11.5%) for a CIRSE member survey. The sample was considered to be representative of CIRSE’s European membership in terms of geographical spread, centre type and level of experience of the submitting IRs (Fig. 1). Obviously, there is a potential bias that IR’s involved in ST responded more frequently than IR’s who don’t do ST. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-020-02469-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.