Journal of Neuroendovascular Therapy
Online ISSN : 2186-2494
Print ISSN : 1882-4072
ISSN-L : 1882-4072
Review Article
Mission and Future of World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN)
Michihiro Tanaka
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Keywords: interventional neuroradiology, World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN), education and training, global collaboration, technological innovation
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2025 Volume 19 Issue 1 Article ID: ra.2024-0101

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Abstract

Interventional and therapeutic neuroradiology offers minimally invasive treatments for neurological disorders, and the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN) plays a crucial role in advancing this field globally. This article discusses WFITN’s mission to promote education, research, and collaboration among practitioners, establish clinical standards, and embrace technological innovations. It highlights the Federation Assembly’s role in governance and policy-making, as well as initiatives like mentorship programs aimed at empowering women in neurointerventional radiology. Facing challenges such as rapid technological changes and healthcare disparities, WFITN is committed to expanding its global impact and fostering an inclusive, innovative community to enhance patient outcomes worldwide.

Introduction

Interventional and therapeutic neuroradiology is a rapidly evolving subspecialty of radiology and neurosurgery that focuses on the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the brain, spine, head, and neck. Utilizing cutting-edge imaging technologies and endovascular techniques, practitioners can address complex neurological conditions with reduced patient risk and improved outcomes. At the forefront of uniting professionals in this field is the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN). Established to promote education, research, and collaboration, the WFITN plays a pivotal role in advancing the specialty on a global scale.

What is the Administrative Body of WFITN?

The organization’s affairs are overseen by an Executive Committee (ExCom), sometimes also referred to as the Governing Board. This committee is composed of key officers—such as the President, Vice President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and 5 elected ExCom members—who collectively guide the federation’s policies, initiatives, and strategic direction. The ExCom typically meets to address operational matters, plan upcoming scientific meetings, and ensure the federation’s mission is carried out in collaboration with its broader membership.

Mission of WFITN

The WFITN is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of interventional neuroradiology worldwide. Its mission revolves around several core objectives:

  • 1.  Promoting education and training: The federation is committed to enhancing the knowledge base of practitioners through comprehensive educational programs. By organizing conferences, workshops, and seminars, the WFITN provides platforms for knowledge exchange and skill development.1)
  • 2.  Advancing research: Encouraging and supporting research is a fundamental aspect of the WFITN’s mission. By facilitating collaborative studies and disseminating findings through publications, the federation contributes to the scientific foundation of the field.2,3)
  • 3.  Facilitating global collaboration: Recognizing the importance of a unified approach, the WFITN aims to connect professionals across continents. This global network fosters the sharing of experiences, techniques, and innovations that benefit patient care universally.4)
  • 4.  Establishing standards and guidelines: The federation works toward developing standardized protocols and guidelines to ensure consistent and high-quality patient care worldwide. This includes advocating for best practices and ethical standards in interventional neuroradiology.1,5)
  • 5.  Supporting technological innovation: Embracing new technologies is essential for the evolution of the specialty. The WFITN actively promotes the integration of advancements such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and novel imaging modalities.

Official Journal: Interventional Neuroradiology (INR)

The official journal of the WFITN is INR. It is a peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the advancement of endovascular and interventional techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. The journal welcomes a variety of manuscript types, including original research articles, review papers, case reports, and technical notes, covering topics such as:

  • -  Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for cerebrovascular diseases
  • -  Novel devices and approaches in interventional neuroradiology
  • -  Technical innovations and improvements in imaging
  • -  Clinical trials and outcomes research
  • -  Functional vascular anatomy for neurointervention

INR serves as a key platform for physicians, researchers, and allied health professionals in the field, disseminating up-to-date findings and fostering academic discussion. Through rigorous peer review, it aims to maintain high scientific standards and support the global scientific community interested in interventional neuroradiology.

WFITN Research Grant Program

In addition to publishing INR, WFITN supports the professional and academic growth of interventional neuroradiologists through its research grant program. Key points of this program include:

  • -  Funding opportunities: The grants provide financial support to investigators—often early-career researchers—who are exploring innovative techniques, new devices, or novel approaches to patient care in interventional neuroradiology.
  • -  Advancement of knowledge: By supporting both fundamental and clinical research, WFITN aims to encourage scientific progress that can lead to better patient outcomes and an enhanced understanding of neurovascular diseases.
  • -  Global collaboration: The program underscores international cooperation, inviting applications from researchers in different regions and thereby promoting diverse perspectives and knowledge exchange across the globe.
  • -  Application and selection: Applicants typically submit a detailed proposal outlining their research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes, which are then assessed by a selection committee. Criteria often include scientific merit, relevance, and potential impact on the field.

Through its official journal, INR, and the WFITN Research Grant Program, the federation facilitates ongoing education, fosters innovation, and connects interventional neuroradiology professionals worldwide.

Federation Assembly and Its Activities

An integral component of the WFITN’s organizational structure is the Federation Assembly, which serves as the primary decision-making body of the federation. The Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping the policies, initiatives, and overall direction of the WFITN, ensuring that the organization’s actions align with its mission and the needs of its global membership.

Roles and responsibilities of the Federation Assembly

  • 1.  Policy formulation: The Federation Assembly is responsible for developing and approving policies that guide the WFITN’s activities. This includes setting strategic goals, determining priorities for education and research, and establishing guidelines for clinical practice.1,6,7)
  • 2.  Election of leadership: The Assembly elects members to key leadership positions within the federation, such as the ExCom and various subcommittees. This democratic process ensures representation from different regions and promotes diversity within the leadership.
  • 3.  Membership representation: Comprising representatives from national and regional societies of interventional neuroradiology, the Assembly ensures that the voices of practitioners worldwide are heard. This collective representation facilitates the sharing of diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • 4.  Financial oversight: The Federation Assembly reviews and approves the federation’s budget, financial reports, and resource allocation. This oversight ensures transparency and accountability in the management of the organization’s finances.
  • 5.  Amendments to the constitution and bylaws: The Assembly has the authority to propose and approve changes to the WFITN’s constitution and bylaws, enabling the organization to adapt to evolving needs and challenges.

Activities of the Federation Assembly

  • -  Annual meetings: The Federation Assembly holds regular meetings, often coinciding with the WFITN’s biennial congresses or other major events. These gatherings provide an opportunity for representatives to discuss ongoing projects, assess progress, and make decisions on future initiatives.
  • -  Committee formation: To address specific areas such as education, research, ethics, and professional standards, the Assembly establishes various committees. These committees are tasked with implementing the federation’s objectives in their respective domains.
  • -  Development of clinical guidelines: One of the key activities is the creation and endorsement of clinical guidelines and best practice protocols. The Assembly collaborates with experts to produce comprehensive documents that are disseminated globally to standardize patient care.1,8)
  • -  Promotion of educational programs: The Assembly oversees the development of educational initiatives, including workshops, webinars, and training programs. By identifying educational needs and allocating resources, the Assembly ensures that practitioners have access to high-quality learning opportunities.
  • -  Facilitation of international collaboration: The Federation Assembly works to strengthen ties between member societies and encourages joint projects, research collaborations, and exchange programs. This fosters a sense of global community and enhances the sharing of knowledge.4)
  • -  Advocacy and outreach: The Assembly engages in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about interventional neuroradiology. This includes interactions with healthcare policymakers, funding agencies, and other professional organizations to promote the interests of the specialty.

Women’s Neurointerventional Radiology (IVR) Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in advancing the field, the WFITN has established initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering women in neurointerventional radiology. One of the key programs is the WFITN Mentorship Program, designed to promote gender diversity and provide support for female practitioners in the field.9)

WFITN Mentorship Program

The WFITN Mentorship Program (https://www.wfitn.org/mentorship-program) is an initiative that connects experienced professionals with women who are pursuing or considering a career in interventional neuroradiology.9,10) The program aims to:

  • 1.  Provide guidance and support: By pairing mentees with seasoned mentors, the program offers personalized advice, encouragement, and professional development opportunities.
  • 2.  Foster networking opportunities: The mentorship program facilitates connections between female practitioners worldwide, helping to build a supportive community and expand professional networks.
  • 3.  Promote career advancement: Through mentorship, women receive assistance in navigating career challenges, identifying opportunities for growth, and achieving leadership positions within the field.
  • 4.  Encourage research and academic participation: Mentors guide mentees in engaging with research projects, publications, and presentations, enhancing their academic profiles and contributions to the field.

Activities under the mentorship program

  • -  One-on-one mentoring sessions: Mentees engage in regular meetings with their mentors to discuss career goals, challenges, and strategies for success.9,10)
  • -  Workshops and seminars: The program organizes educational events focused on skill development, leadership training, and topics relevant to women in interventional neuroradiology.
  • -  Networking events: Opportunities are provided for mentees to connect with peers and leaders in the field during WFITN conferences and other professional gatherings.
  • -  Online resources and support: The mentorship program offers access to online materials, discussion forums, and webinars to support continuous learning and engagement.

Impact of the women’s neuro IVR initiatives

The WFITN’s focus on supporting women in neuro IVR has several significant impacts:

  • -  Increased representation: By encouraging and supporting women in the field, the WFITN contributes to a more diverse and representative workforce, which can lead to improved patient care and innovation.
  • -  Empowerment and leadership development: The mentorship program helps women develop the confidence and skills needed to take on leadership roles, influencing the direction of the field.
  • -  Enhanced collaboration: A diverse community fosters a wider range of perspectives and ideas, enriching collaborative efforts and driving progress.
  • -  Role modeling and inspiration: Successful female practitioners serve as role models, inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in interventional neuroradiology.

The Role of WFITN in Advancing the Field

The WFITN’s efforts, including the Federation Assembly’s activities and the women’s initiatives, have significantly influenced the growth and maturation of interventional neuroradiology:

  • -  Standardization of practices: The development of international guidelines helps harmonize procedures, ensuring patients receive the best possible care regardless of location.4,8,11)
  • -  Innovation and research promotion: By supporting research initiatives and diverse perspectives, the federation helps introduce new techniques and technologies into clinical practice more rapidly.
  • -  Education and skill development: The emphasis on education ensures that practitioners are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and competencies, which is crucial in a field that evolves swiftly.
  • -  Global impact: The WFITN’s inclusive approach means that advancements are not confined to a few regions or groups but are shared globally, reducing disparities in healthcare quality.

Challenges Facing WFITN

While the WFITN has made significant strides, it faces several challenges:

  • -  Technological advancements: Keeping pace with rapid technological changes requires continuous adaptation. The federation must ensure that practitioners are trained in new technologies and that ethical considerations are addressed.5)
  • -  Healthcare disparities: There are significant differences in healthcare access and resources across countries. The WFITN must work toward bridging these gaps to ensure equitable patient care.
  • -  Regulatory hurdles: Navigating varying regulatory environments can be complex, especially when promoting international standards and practices.
  • -  Need for multidisciplinary collaboration: As treatments become more complex, collaboration with other specialties becomes essential. The WFITN must foster relationships with related fields such as neurosurgery, neurology, and vascular surgery.
  • -  Promoting diversity and inclusion: Continued efforts are needed to support underrepresented groups within the field, ensuring equal opportunities for all practitioners.

The Future of WFITN

Looking ahead, the WFITN has a strategic vision to further enhance its impact:

  • -  Embracing digital transformation: The integration of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can revolutionize diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The federation aims to lead in adopting these technologies responsibly.
  • -  Expanding global reach: By increasing membership and participation from underrepresented regions and groups, the WFITN seeks to create a truly global and inclusive community of practitioners.
  • -  Enhancing educational platforms: Leveraging online platforms can make education more accessible. The federation plans to develop virtual training modules and webinars to reach a wider audience.
  • -  Strengthening research networks: Facilitating international research collaborations can accelerate advancements. The WFITN intends to create more opportunities for joint studies and the sharing of data.
  • -  Advocacy and policy influence: By engaging with policymakers and healthcare organizations, the federation can advocate for resources and policies that support the field’s growth.
  • -  Supporting diversity initiatives: Building on programs like the mentorship initiative, the WFITN will continue to promote diversity and inclusion, recognizing that these efforts enrich the field and improve patient care.

Conclusion

The WFITN plays a crucial role in uniting professionals dedicated to advancing patient care through minimally invasive neurological interventions. Its mission encompasses education, research, collaboration, and innovation. The Federation Assembly, as the cornerstone of its governance, ensures that the federation’s actions are aligned with the needs of its global membership and that it remains responsive to the evolving landscape of healthcare.

WFITN’s commitment to supporting women in neuro IVR, exemplified by its mentorship program, highlights the organization’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion. By empowering female practitioners, the federation enhances the field’s capacity for innovation and excellence.

As the field continues to evolve, WFITN’s leadership will be essential in addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities. By fostering a global community committed to excellence and inclusivity, the federation is well-positioned to shape the future of interventional neuroradiology, ultimately improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

Disclosure Statement

The author has no conflicts of interest.

References
 
© 2025 The Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
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