Dear colleagues,
It has been a thrill to construct the CIRSE 2025 programme. Bolstered by the electric success of last year’s congress, this year’s scientific programme committee, comprised of experts representing all aspects of interventional radiology, came to the table full of fresh ideas and new inspirations. Our feet are planted firmly in the present of everything that IR can offer to patients, and our eyes are focused intently on the future. With every bit of progress, evidence, and awareness, today’s hopes for our discipline are becoming tomorrow’s reality.
We are excited to offer you a first look at what we are planning for at CIRSE 2025, the world’s most comprehensive, innovative, and multifaceted meeting on interventional radiology.
An arterial focus
Sessions focusing on arterial interventions will be omnipresent throughout the congress. An expert round table called “Vessel preparation in fempop – what’s the evidence?” will summarize all the currently available vessel preparation techniques. Another expert round table will focus on evidence for vessel preparation in the tibial arteries; a focus session on the same anatomy will hone in specifically on bioresorbable scaffolds. A session on mesenteric ischemia will be helpful for practitioners who are finding a multidisciplinary approach difficult in this challenging condition.
Venous interventions
The venous track at CIRSE 2025 will certainly be another highlight, with dozens of fantastic presentations lined up for IRs who practice in this field or wish to learn more about venous interventions. A hot topic symposium on pulmonary embolization will take place in cooperation with the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions – one of this congress’s must-sees! A case-based discussion will also be held on the topic of pulmonary embolism. A focus session on complex SVC/IVC entities will look at management, reconstruction, and recanalization. Pelvic venous disease will be addressed by a who’s who of world experts debating management issues in this complex topic.
Interventional oncology
Interventional oncology continues to expand in terms of evidence and availability, and the extensive IO track at CIRSE 2025 reflects the overall ground-swell of excitement surrounding this super-active field. The lineup will include topics such as IO treatments in the breast, which is a novel field of locoregional treatments, and a session on neuroendocrine treatments that will help demystify these complex tumours. A focus session on HCC will offer updates on the guidelines of current management options, while a hot topic session on HCC will look at systemic therapies as well as interventional therapies and compare the future prospects for both.
Embolization
The embolization track will cover a wide range of topics – a session titled “From thyroid to haemorrhoids” will illustrate the full spectrum of embolization for the treatment of different conditions. Focus sessions on the emerging topic of MSK embolization as well as the well-established applications of embolization in men’s and women’s health will also be featured. Shining a spotlight on younger patients, a case-based discussion will attempt to answer if the approach to IR in teenagers differs from adult and paediatric patients. A focus session on life-saving IR in neonates and infants will be of particular interest to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge on paediatric IR.
Non-vascular treatments
This year’s non-vascular track will remain as diverse as ever. Of note, a focus session on ablative treatments for benign conditions will present new perspectives on percutaneous ablation. Two sessions in this track will focus on paediatric IR, a fundamental course on biopsies and drainage in children, and a focus session on managing complications in paediatric IR. Pain management, another increasingly relevant topic, will be discussed in a focus session which will specifically look at basivertebral nerve ablation and spinal cord stimulation.
Neuro interventions
There are some particularly noteworthy topics in the neuro interventions track this year! A focus session titled “A new kid on the block: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for chronic Sub Dural Haematoma” will analyse MMA anatomy, give trial updates on MMA embolization, and offer advice on techniques as well as tips and tricks to avoid complications. An expert round table will focus exclusively on trial updates on stroke treatment. A controversy session on carotid interventions will allow delegates to interact with the panel by voting before and after each controversy.
Presenting new data
One of the most anticipated highlights will undoubtedly be the data presentations from the latest studies and trials featured in the FIRST@CIRSE sessions. We warmly encourage all researchers to submit their work and share their findings with our vibrant community.
Further trials and studies will be covered in scientific paper sessions and meet the PI sessions, which allow primary investigators of new and ongoing trials to give in-depth insights into their research.
IR management
In addition to the strictly scientific focus, the IR management track will help bolster CIRSE’s vision of enabling IR physicians to function fully in a clinical manner, offering engaging sessions on topics like establishing clinical services and enhancing patient communication. A session titled “Managing your life as an IR” will focus on important matters such as work-life balance, burnout, and mentoring. “Invention for innovation” will offer an interesting entrepreneurial twist for IRs.
The increasing role of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, and their potential practical applications in the training and optimization of IR therapies will also be under discussion during the congress. SPHAIRE, an interactive area dedicated to deepening the understanding of what emerging technologies including artificial intelligence can bring to interventional radiology, will be staged again this year after a successful debut in 2024.
Radiation protection
The Radiation Protection Pavilion will draw attention to a topic that concerns all of us, no matter what interventions we focus on; the importance of protecting our patients and staff from unnecessary radiation during procedures. The short talks given at the Radiation Protection Pavilion which forms part of the exhibition will cover a wide range of relevant topics and provide important tips and tricks for daily practice. This will be complemented by an exhibition on protective equipment.
Connecting with the industry
At CIRSE 2025, attendees will have the opportunity not only to gain the latest theoretical insights and learn about cutting-edge study results but also to engage in hands-on experiences with the newest devices on the market. This hands-on element strengthens our collaboration with corporate partners, who play a vital role in driving the advancement of IR.
Another key connection to the industry will be through the satellite symposia, which will offer valuable insights into the latest technical innovations, alongside learning centres hosted by our leading corporate supporters. Moreover, the outstanding infrastructure of the CCIB Congress Centre in Barcelona will enable us to present the world’s most comprehensive IR industry exhibition, fostering networking and collaboration between IR professionals and the industry.
Finally, Barcelona will serve as a spectacular backdrop for our meeting. We look forward to soaking in its vibrant atmosphere, networking with colleagues, and forming new connections!
Gerard O’Sullivan Miltiadis Krokidis
SPC Chairperson SPC Deputy Chairperson