Learning and innovation among interventional cardiologists: Insights from an international survey

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2022 Jan 1;99(1):11-16. doi: 10.1002/ccd.29548. Epub 2021 Feb 10.

Abstract

Background: The willingness of interventional cardiologists to adopt innovation and implement changes in day-to-day practice has received limited study.

Methods: Online-based survey on learning and innovation: 38 questions were distributed via email list to interventional cardiologists.

Results: The survey was distributed to 8,110 e-mails and completed by 621 (7.7%, 91.8% men, 60% in the 35 to 54-year-old age group). Of the respondents who perform coronary interventions, 45% perform >100 cases of noncomplex percutaneous coronary interventions per year and of the respondents who perform structural interventions, 15% perform more than >100 transcatheter aortic valve replacements per year. Most respondents (86.7%) rate themselves as highly likely/likely to introduce recently approved equipment in everyday practice and 47.5% have tried a new coronary guidewire in the past 6 months. The most common reasons for reluctance to use new equipment were high cost (64%) and uncertainty about whether it provides additional benefits compared with existing equipment (48.5%). Radial access in STEMI cases is always used by 43.6% of the respondents and 55% always use radial access for coronary angiography. Of those who use femoral access, 32% always use ultrasound guidance and 91% have used a closure device in the last 6 months. Most respondents (80%) read journals to keep up with current practice and believe that the most effective way to learn is through attendance of workshops/short courses (77.5%). Most respondents (69%) are involved in research.

Conclusion: Interventional cardiologists who participated in the survey are highly likely to adopt innovation in daily clinical practice.

Keywords: coronary angiography; coronary artery disease; new devices.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiologists*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention* / adverse effects
  • Radial Artery
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome