A new imaging technology to reduce the radiation dose during uterine fibroid embolization

BackgroundUterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive imaging-guided treatment using radiation exposure.PurposeTo compare the patients’ radiation exposure during UFE before and after introduction of a new X-ray imaging platform.Material and MethodsForty-one patients were enrolled in a prospective, comparative two-arm project before and after introduction of a new X-ray imaging platform with reduced dose settings, i.e. novel real-time image processing techniques (AlluraClarity). Demographic, pre-interventional imaging, and procedural data, including dose area product (DAP) and estimated organ dose on the ovaries and uterus, were recorded and angiographic quality of overall procedure was assessed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in demographic characteristics and preoperative fibroid and uterine volumes in the two groups. The new imaging platform led to a significant reduction in mean total DAP (102 vs. 438 Gy.cm2; P < 0.001), mean fluoroscopy DAP (32 vs. 138 Gy.cm2; P < 0.001), m...