Evaluating strategies for reducing scattered radiation in fixed-imaging hybrid operating suites

High-resolution fixed C-arm fluoroscopic systems allow high-quality endovascular imaging but come at a cost of greater scatter radiation generation and increased occupational exposure for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two methods in reducing scattered radiation exposure.

There were 164 endovascular cases analyzed in three phases. In phase 1 (P1), baseline radiation exposure was calculated. In phase 2 (P2), staff used real-time radiation dose monitoring (dosimetry badges [RaySafe; Unfors, Hopkinton, Mass]). In phase 3 (P3), a software imaging algorithm was installed that reduced radiation (EcoDose software; Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands).

A total of 72 cases in P1, 34 cases in P2, and 58 cases in P3 were analyzed. Total mean dose-area product decreased across each phase, with statistical significance achieved for P1 vs P3 (mean ± standard error of the mean, 186,173 ± 16,754 mGy/cm² vs 121,536 ± 11,971 mGy/cm²; P = .002) and P2 vs P3 (171,921 ± 26,276 mGy/cm² vs 121,536 ± 11,971 mGy/cm²; P = .04), whereas total mean fluoroscopy time did not significantly differ across any phase. The radiation exposure to the primary operator did not change significantly from P1 to P2 but fell significantly in P3 (0.08 ± 0.02 mSv vs 0.03 ± 0.01 mSv; P = .02). The addition of dose reduction software had the most impact on endovascular aneurysm repair, with reductions in median room dose (P = .03) and primary operator exposure (P2 vs P3; 0.19 ± 0.04 mSv vs 0.03 ± 0.02 mSv; P < .01).

Dose reduction software may be an effective technique to lower radiation exposure. Implementation of system-based strategies to reduce radiation is needed to reduce lifetime occupational radiation exposure for endovascular staff and to improve patient safety.