Patient Radiation Dose Reduction during Transarterial Chemoembolization Using a Novel X-Ray Imaging Platform

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Transarterial chemoembolization (TCE) involves radiation exposure.
• Optimizing imaging technology is crucial for reducing patient radiation dose.
• Previous methods lacked sufficient dose reduction capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate radiation dose reduction in TCE patients using a novel image acquisition and processing platform.
• To assess the impact of the new platform on radiation dose indicators.
• To determine if image quality is maintained with the new technology.

Main Methods:

• 176 TCE procedures in 135 patients were analyzed.
• Data collected before and after upgrading to a new imaging platform.
• Radiation dose metrics (CDAP, CAK) and fluoroscopy time were recorded.
• Image quality was assessed by blinded interventional radiologists.

Main Results:

• Mean cumulative dose-area product (CDAP) reduced by 45.9% (P < .00001).
• Mean cumulative air kerma (CAK) decreased by 32.8% (P < .0001).
• Fluoroscopy time increased by 20.3%, but image quality remained undegraded.

Conclusions:

• The optimized imaging platform significantly reduces patient radiation dose during TCE.
• The dose reduction was achieved without compromising diagnostic image quality.
• This technology offers a safer approach for chemoembolization procedures.