Neurosonology Survey in Europe and Beyond

Abstract

Purpose To provide an overview on education, training, practice requirements, and fields of application of neurosonology in Europe and beyond. Materials and Methods National representatives and experts in neurosonology were surveyed regarding neurosonology requirements and practice in their countries. Descriptive statistics were used to report the data. Results Between February 1 and March 31, 2023, 42/46 (91.3%) national representatives responded to our questionnaire and the completion rate was 100%. Most countries (71.4%) offer a neurosonology training program during neurology residency, but it is part of the undergraduate medical program only in 30.9%. National certification is available in 47.6% of the countries surveyed and most countries (76.2%) require certification to practice. In 50% of the countries, candidates are assessed by a board examination, while in 26.2% they just need to document their practice. There is no formal accreditation of neurosonology centers in 78.6% of the countries surveyed. Only a few require certified personnel and appropriate equipment. Adequate teaching and research activities are only rarely necessary elements for laboratory accreditation. Conclusion Our results indicate that there is a substantial need for transnational harmonization of neurosonological standards to guarantee uniformity and quality of performance. This survey will also provide guidance to promote an international accrediting council and create a quality-controlled laboratory network for implementing neurosonology in clinical trials.

Robotic-Assisted Transcranial Doppler Monitoring in Acute Neurovascular Care: a Feasibility and Safety Study

“…4,[14][15][16] Although the skull provided an ideal platform for mounting monitoring TCD probes, cerebral monitoring with TCD has been limited so far, because it still requires a trained sonographer for the entire duration of the examination, making it not feasible in many institutions. 17 Robotic assisted TCD (ra-TCD) was developed to overcome these constraints, using arti cial intelligence to automatically detect intracranial blood ow signals and continue its monitoring without the constant need of an operator keeping the probe aimed right on its target. 18 The scope of our study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of cerebral monitoring with ra-TCD in acute neurovascular care in comparison with manual TCD.…”