scholarly journals Multicenter Assessment of Radiation Exposure during Pediatric Cardiac Catheterizations Using a Novel Imaging System

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Luke J. Lamers ◽  
Brian H. Morray ◽  
Alan Nugent ◽  
Michael Speidel ◽  
Petch Suntharos ◽  
...  

Objectives. To quantify radiation exposure during pediatric cardiac catheterizations performed by multiple operators on a new imaging platform, the Artis Q.zen (Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany), and to compare these data to contemporary benchmark values. Background. The Artis Q.zen has been shown to achieve significant radiation reduction during select types of pediatric cardiac catheterizations in small single-center studies. No large multicenter study exists quantifying patient dose exposure for a broad spectrum of procedures. Methods. Retrospective collection of Air Kerma (AK) and dose area product (DAP) for all pediatric cardiac catheterizations performed on this new imaging platform at four institutions over a two-year time period. Results. A total of 1,127 pediatric cardiac catheterizations were analyzed. Compared to dose data from earlier generation Artis Zee imaging systems, this study demonstrates 70–80% dose reduction (AK and DAP) for similar patient and procedure types. Compared to contemporary benchmark data for common interventional procedures, this study demonstrates an average percent reduction in AK and DAP from the lowest dose saving per intervention of 39% for AK and 27% for DAP for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation up to 77% reduction in AK and 70% reduction in DAP for atrial septal defect closure. Conclusion. Use of next-generation imaging platforms for pediatric cardiac catheterizations can substantially decrease patient radiation exposure. This multicenter study defines new low-dose radiation measures achievable on a novel imaging system.

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1053-1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Shaw Bonilha ◽  
Janina Wilmskoetter ◽  
Sameer Tipnis ◽  
Janet Horn ◽  
Bonnie Martin-Harris ◽  
...  

Purpose Clinicians are trained to rely on radiation exposure time as an indicator of patient radiation exposure in Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSSs). However, it has been shown in other medical uses of fluoroscopy that dose area product (DAP), the amount of radiation delivered to the patient, is a better indicator of overall patient radiation exposure than radiation exposure time. This study sought to understand the relationship of DAP in VFSSs with radiation exposure time and projection used (lateral vs. posterior–anterior [PA]). Method DAP, radiation exposure time, and projection were recorded in 200 adults undergoing clinically indicated VFSSs conducted in accordance with the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile guidelines. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and related sample Wilcoxon test. Results DAP and radiation exposure time did not correlate significantly in the lateral or upper PA projections. DAP was significantly higher in the PA compared to lateral projection ( p < .01); however, time was shorter in PA versus lateral ( p < .01). The average mGy-cm 2 per second was 7 for lateral projections, 14 for upper PA projections, 17 for middle PA projections, and 34 for lower PA projections. Conclusions Radiation exposure time and DAP do not strongly correlate across VFSSs. Specifically, this means that 1 patient can have a low radiation exposure time with a high DAP relative to another person with a higher radiation exposure time but a lower DAP. The results of this study question the common clinical practice of using time (specifically the 5-min indicator) as a threshold for radiation exposure during a VFSSs.


Author(s):  
Brian P. Quinn ◽  
Priscila Cevallos ◽  
Aimee Armstrong ◽  
David Balzer ◽  
Howaida El-said ◽  
...  

Background: The C3PO-QI (Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes – Quality Improvement), a multicenter registry launched in 2015, instituted quality improvement (QI) initiatives to reduce patient radiation exposure. Through regular collaboration, this initiative would allow for harmony among active participants, maximizing efforts and efficiency at achieving radiation best practices. This study sought to report these efforts with a detailed methodology for which institutions can target initiatives, reducing radiation exposure, and increasing patient safety. Methods: Data were collected prospectively by 8 C3PO-QI institutions between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Radiation exposure was measured in dose area product per body weight (dose area product/kg; µGy*m 2 /kg) and reported by expected radiation exposure categories (REC) and institution for 40 published unique procedure types. Targeted interventions addressing selected strategic domains for radiation reduction were implemented in the pediatric catheterization labs of the C3PO-QI institutions. Results: The study consisted of 15 257 unique cases. Median exposure (dose area product/kg) was decreased by 30% for all procedures. Dose area product/kg was reduced in all 3 REC, with the greatest improvement observed in REC I (REC I, −37%; REC II, −23%; REC III, −27%). Although the baseline radiation exposures and exact percent decrease varied across all C3PO-QI sites, each institution demonstrated improvements in radiation dose over time. These improvements occurred with the implementation of institution-specific QI interventions accelerated by participation in the C3PO-QI multicenter collaborative. Conclusions: Substantial radiation dose reductions can be achieved using targeted QI methodology and interventions. Participation in a multicenter QI collaborative may accelerate improvement across all centers due to enhanced engagement and shared learning between sites.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1323-1328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Younes Boudjemline

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of frame rate from 7.5 to 4 frames per second on radiation exposure and to provide new standards of radiation exposure.BackgroundFrame rate is a large contributor to radiation exposure. The use of 4 frames per second for closure of atrial septal defects has been reported not to affect the level of radiation exposure.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed radiation data from all patients referred to our catheterisation laboratory for closure of an atrial septal defect between January, 2015 and June, 2017. Fluoroscopic time, dose area product (μGy.m2), and total air kerma (mGy) were collected. These values were compared according to the frame rate used for closure of atrial septal defects.ResultsA total of 49 atrial septal defects were closed using 7.5 frames per second and 85 using 4 frames per second. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Procedural success was similar in both groups (100 versus 98.8%). Median total air kerma and dose area product were statistically lower in the 4 frames per second group (4 versus 1.3 mGy [p=0.00012]), 43.7 versus 13.1 μGy.m2 [p<0.00001]). There was no increase in median procedure and fluoroscopic times (respectively, 10 and 1.1 min for 7.5 and 4 frames per second), or complications (4.1 versus 2.3%, p>0.05).ConclusionReduction of frame rate allows reducing significantly the radiation exposure while maintaining excellent clinical results in transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects. We recommend implementing this little change in every laboratory in order to achieve drastic reduction of radiation exposure to the patients and laboratory personnel.


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 963-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Pass ◽  
Gregory G. Gates ◽  
Laura A. Gellis ◽  
Lynn Nappo ◽  
Scott R. Ceresnak

AbstractBackground: “ALARA – As Low As Reasonably Achievable” protocols reduce patient radiation dose. Addition of electroanatomical mapping may further reduce dose. Methods: From 6/11 to 4/12, a novel ALARA protocol was utilised for all patients undergoing supraventricular tachycardia ablation, including low frame rates (2–3 frames/second), low fluoro dose/frame (6–18 nGy/frame), and other techniques to reduce fluoroscopy (ALARA). From 6/12 to 3/13, use of CARTO® 3 (C3) with “fast anatomical mapping” (ALARA+C3) was added to the ALARA protocol. Intravascular echo was not utilised. Demographics, procedural, and radiation data were analysed and compared between the two protocols. Results: A total of 75 patients were included: 42 ALARA patients, and 33 ALARA+C3 patients. Patient demographics were similar between the two groups. The acute success rate in ALARA was 95%, and 100% in ALARA+C3; no catheterisation-related complications were observed. Procedural time was 125.7 minutes in the ALARA group versus 131.4 in ALARA+C3 (p=0.36). Radiation doses were significantly lower in the ALARA+C3 group with a mean air Kerma in ALARA+C3 of 13.1±28.3 mGy (SD) compared with 93.8±112 mGy in ALARA (p<0.001). Mean dose area product was 92.2±179 uGym2 in ALARA+C3 compared with 584±687 uGym2 in ALARA (p<0.001). Of the 33 subjects (42%) in the ALARA+C3 group, 14 received ⩽1 mGy exposure. The ALARA+C3 dosages are the lowest reported for a combined electroanatomical–fluoroscopy technique. Conclusions: Addition of CARTO® 3 to ALARA protocols markedly reduced radiation exposure to young people undergoing supraventricular tachycardia ablation while allowing for equivalent procedural efficacy and safety.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 838-844
Author(s):  
Jan-Helge Klingler ◽  
Ulrich Hubbe ◽  
Christoph Scholz ◽  
Florian Volz ◽  
Marc Hohenhaus ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEIntraoperative 3D imaging and navigation is increasingly used for minimally invasive spine surgery. A novel, noninvasive patient tracker that is adhered as a mask on the skin for 3D navigation necessitates a larger intraoperative 3D image set for appropriate referencing. This enlarged 3D image data set can be acquired by a state-of-the-art 3D C-arm device that is equipped with a large flat-panel detector. However, the presumably associated higher radiation exposure to the patient has essentially not yet been investigated and is therefore the objective of this study.METHODSPatients were retrospectively included if a thoracolumbar 3D scan was performed intraoperatively between 2016 and 2019 using a 3D C-arm with a large 30 × 30–cm flat-panel detector (3D scan volume 4096 cm3) or a 3D C-arm with a smaller 20 × 20–cm flat-panel detector (3D scan volume 2097 cm3), and the dose area product was available for the 3D scan. Additionally, the fluoroscopy time and the number of fluoroscopic images per 3D scan, as well as the BMI of the patients, were recorded.RESULTSThe authors compared 62 intraoperative thoracolumbar 3D scans using the 3D C-arm with a large flat-panel detector and 12 3D scans using the 3D C-arm with a small flat-panel detector. Overall, the 3D C-arm with a large flat-panel detector required more fluoroscopic images per scan (mean 389.0 ± 8.4 vs 117.0 ± 4.6, p < 0.0001), leading to a significantly higher dose area product (mean 1028.6 ± 767.9 vs 457.1 ± 118.9 cGy × cm2, p = 0.0044).CONCLUSIONSThe novel, noninvasive patient tracker mask facilitates intraoperative 3D navigation while eliminating the need for an additional skin incision with detachment of the autochthonous muscles. However, the use of this patient tracker mask requires a larger intraoperative 3D image data set for accurate registration, resulting in a 2.25 times higher radiation exposure to the patient. The use of the patient tracker mask should thus be based on an individual decision, especially taking into considering the radiation exposure and extent of instrumentation.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdelrazik ◽  
Youssef Amin ◽  
Alaa Roushdy ◽  
Maiy El Sayed

Abstract Aim and objectives The aim of the study is to assess the average radiation doses recorded per procedure in Ain Shams University Hospital pediatric cath lab to set benchmarks of radiation exposure in our institute. Patients and Methods The study included 198 patients who presented to Ain Shams cardiac pediatric cath lab who undergone interventional (BPV, BAV, ASD device closure, VSD device closure, PDA coil/device closure, Coarctation Stent/balloon) and diagnostic (Hemodynamics study, Diagnostic cath) heart catheterization. Radiation doses were measured without any interference with the operator’s preferences. Results Radiation dosages were measured in total AirKerma, Dose area product (DAP), and fluoroscopy time to set the benchmarks for radiation exposure in our institute per procedure. VSD device closure showed the highest radiation exposure followed by Coarctation stenting. Lowest radiation dosage was in PDA coil closure followed by ASD device closure then BPV. Conclusion Benchmarks for radiation exposure per procedure in pediatric cath lab in our institute were set and compared to each other.


2018 ◽  
Vol 179 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
C T Fuss ◽  
M Treitl ◽  
N Rayes ◽  
P Podrabsky ◽  
W K Fenske ◽  
...  

Objective Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) represents the current diagnostic standard for subtype differentiation in primary aldosteronism (PA). However, AVS has its drawbacks. It is invasive, expensive, requires an experienced interventional radiologist and comes with radiation exposure. However, exact radiation exposure of patients undergoing AVS has never been examined. Design and methods We retrospectively analyzed radiation exposure of 656 AVS performed between 1999 and 2017 at four university hospitals. The primary outcomes were dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time (FT). Consecutively the effective dose (ED) was approximately calculated. Results Median DAP was found to be 32.5 Gy*cm2 (0.3–3181) and FT 18 min (0.3–184). The calculated ED was 6.4 mSv (0.1–636). Remarkably, values between participating centers highly varied: Median DAP ranged from 16 to 147 Gy*cm2, FT from 16 to 27 min, and ED from 3.2 to 29 mSv. As main reason for this variation, differences regarding AVS protocols between centers could be identified, such as number of sampling locations, frames per second and the use of digital subtraction angiographies. Conclusion This first systematic assessment of radiation exposure in AVS not only shows fairly high values for patients, but also states notable differences among the centers. Thus, we not only recommend taking into account the risk of radiation exposure, when referring patients to undergo AVS, but also to establish improved standard operating procedures to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (1117) ◽  
pp. 20190878
Author(s):  
Anna Kropelnicki ◽  
Rosemary Eaton ◽  
Alexandra Adamczyk ◽  
Jacqueline Waterman ◽  
Pegah Mohaghegh

Objective: Mini C-arm fluoroscopes are widely used by orthopaedic surgeons for intraoperative image guidance without the need for radiographers. This puts the responsibility for radiation exposure firmly with the operating surgeon. In order to maintain safe and best practice under U.K. Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, one must limit radiation exposure and audit performance using national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). In the case of the mini C-arm, there are no national DRLs. IR(ME)R, therefore, require the establishment of local DRLs by each hospital to act as an alternative guideline for safe radiation use. The aim of our audit was to establish local DRLs based on our experience operating with the use of the mini C-arm over the last 7 years. Methods: This retrospective audit evaluates the end dose–area product (DAP) recorded for common trauma and orthopaedic procedures using the mini C-arm in a busy district general hospital. We present the quartile data and have set the cut-off point as the third quartile for formulating the local DRLs, consistent with the methodology for the conventional fluoroscope. Results: For our data set (n = 1664), the third quartile DAP values were lowest for surgeries to the forearm (5.38 cGycm2), hand (7.62 cGycm2), and foot/ankle (8.56 cGycm2), and highest for wrist (10.64 cGycm2) and elbow (14.61 cGycm2) procedures. Advances in knowledge: To our knowledge, this is the largest data set used to establish local DRLs. Other centres may find our guidelines useful whilst they establish their own local DRLs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 98 (7) ◽  
pp. 483-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
JF Maempel ◽  
OD Stone ◽  
AW Murray

Introduction Surgical procedures to manage trauma to the wrist, forearm and elbow in children are very common. Image intensifiers are used routinely, yet studies/guidelines that quantify expected radiation exposure in such procedures are lacking. Methods Information on demographics, injury type, surgeon grade and dose area product (DAP) of radiation exposure per procedure was collected prospectively for 248 patients undergoing manipulation/fixation of injuries to the elbow, forearm or wrist at a paediatric hospital over 1 year. Results DAP exposure (in cGycm2) differed significantly across different procedures (p<0.001): wrist manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA; median, 0.39), wrist k-wiring (1.01), forearm MUA (0.50), flexible nailing of the forearm (2.67), supracondylar fracture MUA and k-wiring (2.23) and open reduction and internal fixation of the lateral humeral condyle (0.96). Fixation of a Gartland grade-3 supracondylar fracture (2.94cGycm2) was associated with higher exposure than grade-2 fixation (1.95cGycm2) (p=0.048). Fractures of the wrist or forearm necessitating metalwork fixation resulted in higher exposure than those requiring manipulation only (both p<0.001). For procedures undertaken by trainees, trainee seniority (between year-5 and year-8 and clinical fellow, p≥0.24) did not affect the DAP significantly. Conclusions The spectrum of radiation exposures for common procedures utilised in the management of paediatric upper limb trauma were quantified. These findings will be useful to surgeons auditing their practice and quantifying radiation-associated risks to patients. Our data may serve as a basis for implementing protocols designed to improve patient safety.


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