Background/Aims In considering whether the new role of nurse angiographer could be developed nationally, radiation exposure was focused on as a performance indicator to demonstrate if patients were positively or negatively impacted when compared to national benchmarks. Measuring this clinical performance indicator in the first 104 training cases would provide evidence to either adapt training to ensure improved clinical performance, or allow the role to be adopted in other hospitals. Methods A quasi-experimental, retrospective, comparative audit was statistically analysed to compare a training nurse angiographer’s dose area product and screening time against the national X-ray diagnostic reference levels, to identify whether they could consistently perform coronary angiography safely within these parameters. Results This audit provided reasonably robust evidence that appropriately experienced nurses can be trained in coronary angiography safely within the national diagnostic reference levels. This provides assurance that this new role does not negatively impact patients’ procedural outcomes and that existing measures in place provide satisfactory governance. This also indicates that robust background knowledge and pre-learnt motor skills are beneficial to any operator. Conclusions Although this study contributes to research within this area, further research is needed to demonstrate the scope and benefits of this nursing role to a wider healthcare population.

Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is a rare but life-threatening condition often associated with trauma, such as chest and skull injuries, which allow air to enter the venous system, as well as medical procedures and surgical interventions. It can occur during the insertion of peripheral cannulas or central midline catheters, following lung biopsy procedures, or during vascular surgeries, particularly those involving the head and neck region. CAE can also develop during the removal of central venous cannulas, as air may enter the bloodstream in the process. When air enters the bloodstream, it can travel to the cerebral blood vessels, where it may be trapped, forming bubbles that obstruct the blood flow. This blockage reduces oxygen supply to brain tissue, which can quickly lead to cell damage or ischemia if not resolved. We present the case of a 62-year-old male with an infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who developed acute unilateral sensorimotor weakness several days following midline catheter insertion for a prolonged course of antibiotic administration. Prompt detection and intervention are essential in managing CAE to minimize risks and prevent permanent damage. The role of diagnostic radiology is essential in the rapid diagnosis and management of CAE. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans, carotid and cerebral angiograms, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head are invaluable for assessing cerebral arteries and determining the extent of ischemic damage over time. They can also show signs of air trapped either in the venous or arterial system as the complexity of CAE is heightened by air emboli affecting various vascular regions, including the cerebral venous sinuses, requiring comprehensive imaging for accurate diagnosis and management. While CT of the brain is essential for immediate diagnosis, follow-up MRI scans provide detailed insights into the progression of ischemic changes that may result from CAE. Copyright ┬® 2024, Ahmed et al.