CathLab procedures change induce great improvements in radiation safety for patients and healthcare professionals

Background: High radiation doses during cardiovascular procedures exposes patients and laboratory personnel to deterministic and stochastic effects. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of a radiation safety policy in this regard. Aim: To evaluate the impact of new imaging procedures and material changes to radiation safety for both patients and staff. Methods: We prospectively reviewed every radiation emission expressed in the dose area product (DAP) during a 30 month period. CathLab change took place after 5 months from Integris 500 to Allura FD 10 and new imaging procedures were edited. The primary endpoint was the reduction of the ionizing radiation dose per-exam recorded before and after laboratory change. Results: Among the 2802 procedures performed, there were 360 performed during the first period, and 2442 after the CathLab change; the angioplasty rate was about 50% in both groups. In the DAP there was a 36% reduction (p < 0.0001), and interestingly, exclusively in fluoroscopy: -55% against +0.2% for cine (cf. figure 1). Explanations for such a change may be the new ability for a low fluoroscopy mode, reduction of routine cine frame from 12.5 pictures/seconds to 7.5 pictures/seconds, and rotational cine acquisition. ![Figure][1] Conclusion: Catheterization Laboratory Change and simple new imaging methods produce significant decrease of the radiation dose received by both patients and staff during cardiovascular procedures, mainly due to fluoroscopy reduction. [1]: pending:yes