Variation in Cone Beam Computed Tomography Utilization and Radiation Exposure Associated with Prostatic Artery...

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Urology

Background:

• Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Radiation exposure is a concern during PAE procedures.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can aid in PAE but may increase radiation dose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) utilization and radiation exposure during PAE procedures performed on two different angiography systems.
• To evaluate the impact of angiography system choice on radiation metrics and CBCT use in PAE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of PAE procedures performed by a single interventionalist on two angiography systems (AS1 and AS2).
• Evaluation of CBCT acquisition rates, fluoroscopy time, DSA series, CBCTs per case, and radiation metrics (air kerma, kerma area product).
• Statistical comparison of data between the two systems, with adjustments for body mass index.

Main Results:

• CBCT utilization was significantly higher in AS2 (85%) compared to AS1 (31%).
• Mean total kerma area product and air kerma per CBCT were substantially lower in AS2 than in AS1.
• Fluoroscopy time and mean prostate volume were similar between the two systems.

Conclusions:

• The angiography system significantly impacts CBCT utilization and radiation exposure during PAE.
• System AS2 demonstrated lower patient and staff radiation exposure compared to AS1.
• Optimizing angiography system selection can improve safety and efficiency in PAE procedures.