This month’s journal-based CME article is titled "IN.PACT AV Access Trial: Economic Evaluation of Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment for Dysfunctional Arteriovenous Fistulae Based on 12-Month Clinical Outcomes". This is an analysis to evaluate the cost differences between the use of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty (DCB) compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the endovascular management of arteriovenous (AV) access circuits.  The authors derived their data from the 12-month results of the IN.PACT AV Access study.

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of interventional radiologists, nurses, techs, and trainees at all levels with special interest in treatment of patients with end stage renal disease and hemodialysis circuits. To receive CME credit for this journal-based CME activity, participants must read the journal article and score 75% or better on the post test. Participants will have three opportunities to score 75% or better.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this journal-based CME activity, learners should be able to:

• Discuss expected cost savings by using a DCB for fistula access circuit maintenance
• Understand how the use of DCB can impact reintervention rates for fistula circuits
• Compare the use of DCB to PTA alone

JVIR CME Editor

Daniel Sheeran, MD
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Authors

• Jan B. Pietzsch, Ph.D., Benjamin P. Geisler, M.D., M.P.H.; Wing Tech Inc., Menlo Park, CA
• Benjamin P. Geisler, M.D., M.P.H.; Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Bharati Manda, M.S.; Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA
• Sanjay Misra, M.D. ; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• Sean P. Lyden M.D.; Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
• Timothy A. Pflederer, M.D.; Illinois Kidney Disease and Hypertension Center, Peoria, IL
• Robert A. Lookstein M.D., M.H.C.D.L.; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essentials and Standards of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).

The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. SIR designates this education activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.