Mr. Marvin Grech: Interventional Radiographer and Researcher in Interventional Neuroradiology at University of Malta, Malta

Article Details

  • Title: Diagnostic reference levels in interventional neuroradiology: a scoping review
  • Authors: Marvin Grech, Francis Zarb, Reuben Grech, Neville Calleja & Paul Bezzina
  • Published: 25 March 2026, European Radiology
  • Type: Open-access review article
  • Scope: Evaluates literature on diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in interventional neuroradiology (INR), including both diagnostic (cerebral angiography) and therapeutic procedures (stroke thrombectomy, aneurysm coiling, AVM/AVF embolisation).

Novelty

  • Provides a comprehensive synthesis of DRLs specifically in INR, an area with limited consolidated data.
  • Highlights the wide variability in reported DRLs, which had not been systematically compared before.
  • Emphasizes methodological differences (percentile choice, procedure grouping, inclusion criteria), which are rarely discussed in prior reviews.

Impact

  • Raises awareness of dose variability in INR procedures, which is directly relevant to patient safety and radiation exposure optimisation.
  • Serves as a reference for hospitals and regulatory bodies to develop or refine local DRLs.
  • Supports the broader movement towards standardising radiation dose monitoring in interventional radiology, improving compliance with European and international radiation protection guidelines.

Originality

  • Unlike single-center or national studies, this is a scoping review covering 39 studies across multiple countries, offering a global perspective.
  • Combines data on multiple INR procedures, not just diagnostic angiography or one therapeutic intervention.
  • Offers critical evaluation of methodologies used to derive DRLs, not just reporting numbers.

Experimental Rigor

  • Rigorous systematic search strategy using multiple databases: SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, and ProQuest.
  • Clear inclusion criteria for studies reporting DRLs in both diagnostic and therapeutic INR procedures.
  • Extracted detailed parameters (PKA, FT, RAK, sample size, statistical approaches).
  • Limitation: Being a scoping review, it does not perform meta-analysis or standardised statistical comparison; focuses on summarisation rather than quantitative synthesis.

Sustainability Impact

  • Indirectly promotes sustainability in healthcare by:
    • Encouraging radiation dose optimisation, reducing unnecessary patient exposure.
    • Highlighting best practices in procedural efficiency, which can lower resource use (fluoroscopy time, contrast agent use).
  • Standardised DRLs could lead to less procedural waste and more efficient interventional radiology workflows.

Applicability

  • High clinical relevance:
    • Can guide radiologists, medical physicists, and hospitals in setting or updating local DRLs.
    • Useful for regulatory bodies and professional societies when developing national or international dose guidelines.
  • Can inform training programs for INR practitioners to be aware of typical dose ranges.
  • Supports harmonisation across institutions, aiding multicenter studies and quality improvement programs.

Research Portfolio

Marvin Grech is a highly experienced radiographer and interventional cardiology imaging specialist from Malta, with over 25 years of clinical and research expertise. He combines a strong background in diagnostic radiography, cardiac imaging, and radiation protection with leadership roles in clinical practice. Marvin is recognized for integrating cutting-edge imaging technologies and evidence-based protocols to improve patient outcomes while promoting staff training, professional development, and safety in radiology and cardiology services.

Online Profile

ORCID Profile

Marvin maintains an active professional presence in the global medical imaging and cardiology community. He regularly participates in international conferences, workshops, and professional societies, including ECR, ESC, CIRSE, and RSNA. His online profile emphasizes his commitment to advancing interventional radiology, developing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), and promoting radiation safety and innovation in healthcare. He also engages in knowledge-sharing initiatives, mentoring young professionals, and contributing to continuing professional development in radiography and cardiology.

Education

Marvin’s academic foundation is comprehensive and multidisciplinary. He earned a BSc (Hons) in Radiography and a Diploma in Health Science from the University of Malta, followed by a Diploma in Management Studies to strengthen his leadership skills. He further pursued an MSc in Cardiology from the University of Brighton to deepen his expertise in cardiac imaging. Currently, he is undertaking a PhD at the University of Malta, reflecting his commitment to research excellence and advancing scientific knowledge in diagnostic and interventional imaging.

Research Focus

Marvin’s research focuses on optimizing interventional radiology and cardiology practices to enhance patient safety and clinical efficiency. Key areas include radiation dose reduction strategies, establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in interventional cardiology and neuroradiology, and evaluating innovative imaging technologies. His work emphasizes translating research into practical improvements in clinical protocols, staff training, and patient-centered care, ensuring that imaging services meet the highest standards of safety and diagnostic quality.

Experience

Marvin has extensive professional experience spanning multiple healthcare systems and international settings. He has progressed through roles from Casual Radiographer to Executive Allied Health Practitioner and Area Lead at Mater Dei Hospital, overseeing the Angiosuite and Cardiac Catheterization Suite. He has worked at St. Luke’s Hospital, King Salman Heart Centre in Saudi Arabia, and other specialized institutions, leading imaging teams, implementing best practices, training staff, and coordinating interdisciplinary projects. His experience bridges clinical operations, research, and education, making him a recognized leader in interventional radiology and cardiology imaging.

Research Timeline & Activities

Marvin’s research and professional development activities span more than a decade, beginning with presentations on coronary angiography at ESC Congress 2011 and continuing through 2026 with contributions at ECR, RSNA, CIRSE, and Maltese Cardiac Society conferences. He has delivered oral and poster presentations, published peer-reviewed papers, and participated in workshops focused on radiation safety, interventional imaging protocols, and emerging technologies. He actively engages in collaborative research projects, clinical audits, and continuous professional education to advance evidence-based practice in radiography and cardiology.

Awards & Honors

Marvin has received recognition for his research excellence, most notably the Best Research Presentation Abstract at ECR 2026 for his work on establishing diagnostic reference levels for neurointerventional procedures in Malta. He has also earned merit awards for contributions to radiography and cardiac imaging research and has been acknowledged for leadership in professional societies, including the Society of Medical Radiographers and the Maltese Cardiac Society. His awards reflect a sustained commitment to innovation, patient safety, and professional development.

Strength for the Emerging Researcher Award

1. Pioneering Research in Interventional Neuroradiology
  • Developed a comprehensive scoping review on diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) across diagnostic and therapeutic interventional neuroradiology procedures.
  • Synthesized data from 39 international studies, providing a global perspective on DRLs where consolidated evidence was previously limited.
  • Critically evaluated methodological differences in reporting DRLs, highlighting a novel approach that goes beyond simple data collection.
2. Patient Safety and Radiation Dose Optimization
  • Focuses on reducing patient radiation exposure and optimizing fluoroscopy and contrast agent use in interventional procedures.
  • Research contributes directly to clinical safety, procedural efficiency, and sustainability in healthcare.
  • Promotes standardized DRLs, helping hospitals and regulatory bodies develop guidelines aligned with European and international radiation protection standards.
3. Translational Impact and Clinical Applicability
  • Research is highly applicable to daily clinical practice, guiding radiologists, medical physicists, and hospitals in establishing or updating local DRLs.
  • Supports training programs and quality improvement initiatives in interventional neuroradiology.
  • Helps harmonize procedural protocols across institutions, facilitating multicenter studies and enhancing patient care consistency.
4. Extensive Professional and Research Expertise
  • Over 25 years of clinical and research experience across multiple international healthcare settings, including Malta and Saudi Arabia.
  • Combines hands-on interventional radiography experience with leadership roles, fostering innovation in imaging technologies and evidence-based clinical protocols.
  • Active engagement in international conferences (ECR, RSNA, CIRSE, ESC) and professional societies demonstrates a commitment to advancing the field globally.
5. Recognition and Leadership in the Field
  • Awarded Best Research Presentation Abstract at ECR 2026, highlighting the international relevance and impact of his work.
  • Contributes to mentorship and professional development, supporting the next generation of radiographers and interventional specialists.
  • Recognized for combining research excellence, clinical leadership, and knowledge translation, positioning him as an emerging leader in interventional radiology research.
Marvin Grech, Medicine, Emerging Researcher Award