Physicians' liability in interventional radiology and endovascular therapy

Introduction/objective: Modern practice in Radiology has rapidly changed over the last decades incorporating invasive techniques. Additionally, litigation in medical practice has arisen as an important issue. This article aims to highlight issues related to malpractice in interventional radiology and endovascular therapy in order to point out the importance of the written informed consent. Methods and material: Search of relevant literature from the Pubmed. Results: The role of radiologist has been greatly transformed over the last decades. He is not only entitled to participate in the diagnosis but also he undertakes therapeutic procedures, either alone or as a member of a team. Thus the radiologist is now more exposed to actions that maximize litigation risk. Adequate communication and a written consent form seem to be mandatory before any invasive radiological procedure. Patient should know in detail the benefits and the risks of the scheduled procedure and whether the proposed therapy is a new form of treatment or part of a randomized trial. Discussions and conclusion: Interventional radiologist or physician is exposed to high litigation risk. This certainly requires an urgent adaptation of his practice and attitude to the new reality. Written patient's informed consent remains an integral part of the communication between physicians and patients, and importantly is offering professional protection along these lines. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.