The proceedings of IR conclave: “Pinhole Power–Minimally Invasive and Maximally Impactful”

Department of Interventional Radiology, Kauvery Hospitals, India

Background

IR Conclave titled “Pinhole Power – Minimally Invasive and Maximally Impactful” lived up to its name and the theme “Innovate Intervene Inspire” offering a rich blend of knowledge sharing, multidisciplinary discussions, and practical insights into the evolving field of Interventional Radiology (IR). The two-day Interventional Radiology (IR) Conclave hosted by Kauvery Hospital brought together radiologists, clinicians, and specialists from across all branches of the hospital in a dynamic forum of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation. The event aimed not only to showcase the vast potential of IR procedures but also to develop actionable strategies for increasing cross-departmental awareness and referrals.

Branding Pinhole Power – IR to the People

This session was an icebreaker session designed as a platform for clinical insight, interdisciplinary engagement, and brand building. This session served not just as a warm-up but also helped in creating a unified vision among participants regarding the mission of interventional radiologists to deliver maximum therapeutic benefit with minimal patient trauma.

In this session we divided totally 5 teams, each team has to share their ideas on how to promote interventional radiology to the people. This session was very useful to share the mixed ideas and opportunity to discuss the difficulties with senior consultants.

Some of the discussed key ideas

  • Awareness of the patient how IR reduce the hospital stay for patients.
  • Reduce the cost by recommending Indian made consumables
  • Increase public promotions for specific IR procedures (Eg. Genicular nerve ablation, TIPS, BRTO, TURP)
  • Promoting the significance through community talks and social media
  • OPD for Interventional Radiologist
  • Brochure/Annual IR book
  • Packages for surgeries
  • Starting sports clinic through tie-up with sports academy.
  • More CMEs, workshop and Conclave meets

Clinician Session (By Dr. Jos Jasper, Dr. Anis, Dr. Velmurugan)

The Clinician Session brought together esteemed specialists from diverse surgical disciplines to discuss the evolving integration of Interventional Radiology (IR) within clinical and surgical care. The panel included:

Dr. Jos Jasper: “Across the 13 units we are taking n number of MRIs, CT and other imaging tests. We have a huge patient to collect the data by clipping as video or click as images that is the main data for us. Next our availability of taking advanced CT and MRI should be in all the units rather depending on the one unit for those such cases.

Carotoid Doppler imaging should be initiated earlier to prevent the patients from 70 or 80 % of occlusion”. Finally, he spoke about the significance of knowledge sharing across the units and also it should be inter-departments.

Dr. Anish: Emphasized the role of IR in comprehensive cancer care — from image-guided biopsies to locoregional therapies like TACE and ablation. He advocated for stronger interdisciplinary planning between oncologists and IR specialists to ensure precision and minimally invasive management of tumors.

Dr. Velmurugan: Detailed the increasing reliance on IR for managing complex hepatobiliary and GI cases, including biliary drainage, GI bleed control, and portal hypertension. He pointed out how IR often serves as a bridge or complement to surgery, reducing patient morbidity.

Managing Director Address

The conclave commenced with an inspiring address by Dr. S. Manivannan – Managing Director, who set a tone for the day by emphazing the transformative role of Interventional radiology in modern healthcare.

Key points

  • Vision for Minimally Invasive Healthcare
  • Commitment to Innovation and Collaboration
  • Empowering the IR Ecosystem
  • RASCI matrix checklist
  • Patient-Centered Outcomes

In this session he highlighted the importance of RASCI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) framework. The RASCI helps to avoid confusion, overlaps, and gaps in task execution by clearly defining who does what.

Stressing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the address acknowledged the vital role of clinicians, surgeons, and radiologists in shaping the future of integrated care. The conclave, he stated, serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and breaking silos between departments.

Scientific Sessions

This comprehensive session showcased the wide spectrum of Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures across both vascular and nonvascular domains. Highlights included advanced techniques in sports-related interventions and ortho-spine procedures, emphasizing minimally invasive solutions for pain management and structural restoration.

Experts discussed the evolving role of IR in routine yet critical procedures like image-guided biopsies and drainage techniques, which continue to serve as essential diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

The session also covered nonvascular interventions, illustrating the versatility of IR beyond traditional vascular targets. Key vascular topics included the management of aneurysms, as well as portal venous interventions such as BRTO (Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration) and TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt), highlighting their role in managing portal hypertension and variceal bleeding.

Overall, the session reinforced IR’s dynamic and expanding role in delivering precise, patient-centric care across diverse clinical scenarios.

Here some of the significant case scenarios discussed in the Conclave

Case Presentation 1

A 42 years old male patient came with complaints of hematemesis and malena for the past 3 days. A K/C/O of DM and HTN. UGI scopy revealed large esophageal and fundal varices with features of portal hypertension for that Emergency EVL done.

On next day suddenly there is a drop in Hb for that blood transfusion has started and planned for CECT abdomen. So BRTO procedure was planned.

Case Presentation 2

A 40-day old baby underwent liver transplant. 120 gm of left lobe of liver was transferred from the mother to the baby

In the immediate post op period, there was elevated liver enzymes and Doppler showed no flow in portal vein.

Fig (7): Biopsies number in Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani

Droplets of Day 2

Day 2 of the Interventional Radiology Conclave 2025 provided a well-rounded agenda combining clinical education, reflective discussion, and future planning. The sessions were designed to foster cross-generational learning, peer interaction, and the strategic development of Interventional Radiology (IR) as a specialty. Key highlights included a case-based discussion on procedural challenges, a resident-led Q&A session, and a focused dialogue on the Interventional Radiology (IR) growth plan.

Complex Cases and Unexpected Outcomes: Learning Through Lived Experience

The day commenced with an engaging and insightful session titled “Funniest Cases and Procedural Disasters”, in which senior consultants recounted real-world cases that deviated from standard protocols or produced unanticipated outcomes. While many of these cases were presented with humor, the underlying emphasis was on critical thinking, intra-procedural decision-making, and post-procedural learning. These cases highlighted the essential nature of adaptability and calm under pressure in IR practice.

Strategic Vision: Interventional Radiology Growth Plan

The final session of the day focused on institutional development and long-term strategic planning, with a presentation and panel discussion on the United Radiologists (UR) Growth Plan. The initiative aims to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of Interventional Radiology across healthcare ecosystems. Key components of the plan include:

  • Expansion of standardized IR training programs
  • Establishment of IR-led clinics and subspecialty services
  • Strengthening of interdepartmental collaborations
  • Development of research infrastructure and academic output
  • Public and professional awareness campaigns

The discussion emphasized the importance of unified leadership, collaborative practice models, and innovation-driven policies in advancing the specialty.

Conclusion

The First Interventional Radiology Conclave – Pinhole Power held at the heritage venue of Chidambara Vilas, Pudukottai for two days, successfully brought together experts, trainees, and thought leaders in the field for a dynamic exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas. The event served as a comprehensive platform for scientific learning through case-based discussions, interactive sessions with residents, and collaborative dialogues on specialty growth.

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