Robotic endovascular technology is an emerging concept, and is being developed to allow more precise navigation of anatomy in challenging endovascular cases. The Magellan Endovascular System allows either direct or remote steerability of a 2-point articulating robotic platform with the ability to place a conventional microcatheter through the catheter tip. Such flexibility may help to reach an otherwise difficult anatomic location, especially in variant anatomy. To date, this platform has been shown to be technically successful in a small number of different settings. This case series shows another potential platform for such technology and explores the technical use and overall safety in conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE). The study retrospectively assessed 6 patients undergoing selective cTACE. Treatments were performed in a single center by two experienced interventional radiologists. Fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, anatomic target, and adverse events were logged. In spite of a longer than expected average fluoroscopy time, which can be expected for a first-generation technology, the average radiation dose was comparable to literature and technical success was able to be shown in all 6 patients with no adverse events. This technology has wide scope for future use and once overcoming a learning curve, may allow us to avoid repeat procedure attempts thus reducing fluoroscopy time and leading to earlier successful treatment. Providing a platform of interest and usability in the interventional radiology world may also lead to further development of smaller, cheaper, and more widely-accessible devices.

The objective of this study was to determine the association between a specialist clinical pharmacist working in collaboration with medical staff and prescribing in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A retrospective cohort study was conducted comparing the influence of a dedicated clinical pharmacist on two samples of patients admitted to a single vascular surgery unit in either 2007 (control group) prior to implementation of a comprehensive clinical pharmacy service or 2009 (comparison group) post implementation. Data were obtained via review of medical records and electronic reports. A total of 685 patients were identified, resulting in 964 admissions. The patient to pharmacist ratio decreased from 62 to 33 patients per day in 2009. More patients were initiated on an antiplatelet (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.26 to 9.53, p<0.001) and statin (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.97 to 6, p<0.001) in 2009 compared to 2007. Risk factor modification increased in 2009, resulting in action being taken more often for HbA1c>7% (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.64 to 7.27, p=0.001), total cholesterol >4 mmol/L in females (OR 14.5, 95% CI 2.67 to 78.6, p=0.002) and blood pressure above target (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.73, p=0.05) when a comprehensive clinical pharmacist service was available. There was a non-significant reduction in mortality (18.7% (65) to 14.2% (46), p=0.13) and cardiovascular outcomes (5.5% (19) to 4.3% (14), p=0.44) within 12 months of discharge. In conclusion, prescribing of evidence-based medication for PAD and risk factor modification increased with a comprehensive clinical pharmacist service. This study provides important insight into optimising treatment in this patient group and how a pharmacist can be a helpful addition to the multidisciplinary team.

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