Training standards in neuroendovascular surgery and CAST certification process published

The Joint Section of Cerebrovascular Surgery (JSCVS) for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), and the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) have published a consensus document detailing the organizational structure and requirements for institutional accreditation of training programs in neuroendovascular surgery (NES).

The training requirements include performance of a minimal 200 diagnostic procedures and 250 interventional treatment procedures as primary operator. Additionally, there should be a core experience consisting of:

– 40 aneurysm treatments, including 10 presenting with rupture

– 20 intracranial embolizations (arteriovenous malformation, arteriovenous fistula, tumor)

– 25 intracranial or extracranial stent placements (at least 5 in each category and may include stents or flow diverters for aneurysms)

– 30 acute ischemic stroke treatments

– 10 intracranial infusions (eg, vasospasm, chemotherapy, and stroke)

– 10 extracranial embolizations

– 5 spinal angiograms and embolizations

CAST issues individual NES certification based on (1) prior NES training and experience (Practice Track, available through 12/2020) and (2) satisfactory completion of training within a CAST-accredited NES training program.