Surgeon radiation exposure in ESS with balloon catheters

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Balloon catheters offer a less invasive approach for sino-ostial dilation in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
• Fluoroscopic visualization is currently used to confirm balloon catheter placement during ESS.
• Concerns exist regarding surgeon radiation exposure associated with fluoroscopy use in ESS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the level of surgeon radiation exposure during ESS when utilizing balloon catheters and fluoroscopy.
• To assess the safety of fluoroscopy use in ESS procedures concerning occupational radiation dose for surgeons.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multi-center study involving 14 sinus surgeons.
• Surgeons wore dosimeters (chest and finger) for three months during balloon catheter-aided ESS.
• Radiation exposure was measured and calculated for deep, eye, and shallow dose levels.

Main Results:

• Annualized average radiation exposure for chest dosimeters was approximately 191 mrem (deep), 194 mrem (eye), and 188 mrem (shallow).
• Finger dosimeters recorded an average of 584 mrem.
• All recorded exposure levels were significantly below the annual occupational radiation exposure limit of 50,000 mrem.

Conclusions:

• Surgeon radiation exposure during ESS with balloon catheters is low.
• Experienced surgeons using fluoroscopy in ESS demonstrate radiation exposure well within safe occupational limits.
• Minimizing reliance on fluoroscopy through vigilant technique and education is recommended.