Technical note: Workload and transmission data for mobile C-arm fluoroscopy in gastrointestinal endoscopy

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Sciences
• Endoscopic Procedures

Background:

• Mobile C-arms are utilized in fixed settings, necessitating expert evaluation of structural shielding.
• Understanding radiation exposure is crucial for patient and staff safety during fluoroscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess clinical workload distributions for mobile C-arms in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• To determine Archer equation parameters for C-arm X-ray beam spectra.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 30 months of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures using Cios Alpha systems.
• Examination of X-ray parameters (voltage, current-time product, air kerma, fluoroscopic time).
• Measurement of Half-Value Layer (HVL), stray radiation fraction, and Monte Carlo simulations for radiation transmission through shielding materials.

Main Results:

• 3509 procedures were analyzed, averaging 13.48 procedures per room per week.
• Dose quantities per procedure: 54.8 mGy (reference air kerma), 18.3 Gy·cm² (air kerma-area product), and 7.8 minutes (fluoroscopic time).
• Transmission fitting parameters were determined for C-arm X-ray beam voltages (90-120 kV).

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential workload and radiation transmission data for mobile C-arm fluoroscopy in GI endoscopy.
• Results indicate a clear need for structural shielding evaluation in procedure rooms to mitigate radiation exposure.