In plain language
In 710 supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablations by 32 women electrophysiologists in 12 European centres, a near-zero fluoroscopy approach kept estimated annual operator dose far below the 1 mSv pregnancy limit. Doses were estimated from patient dose-area product (DAP), not measured, and covered SVT cases only.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Prospective cohort study
- Who was studied
- Electrophysiologists, Patients
- Size
- n = 710 procedures (by 32 operators)
- Where
- Italy, Spain, Croatia, Germany, Switzerland
- Topics
- Pregnancy and reproductive healthWomen in the fieldDose reduction techniquesDosimetry and monitoringWorkforce and careersPatient dose
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Estimated mean annual operator effective dose under fluoroscopy minimization was very low, and no operator reached the 1 mSv pregnancy limit.
Key figures: 9.34 ± 15.9 µSv per year (annual DAP 46.7 ± 79.5 Gy·cm²)
Even under worst-case distance and angulation assumptions, estimated annual dose stayed below 1 mSv.
Key figures: 448.32 ± 763.2 µSv
Most procedures were performed with no fluoroscopy at all.
Key figures: 555/710 (78%) zero fluoroscopy; 33/710 (5%) near-zero
Per-procedure DAP did not differ by operator lifetime experience.
Key figures: 0.76 vs 2 vs 1.6 Gy·cm², P = 0.66
High acute success with few complications.
Key figures: 693/710 (98%)
Limits to keep in mind
Operator dose was model-derived from patient DAP rather than measured with dosimeters, and only SVT ablations were captured, not operators' full case mix. Non-randomized registry without a conventional-fluoroscopy comparison.
Related research summaries
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Radiation safety program for the cardiac catheterization laboratory (2011, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Clinical Feasibility of Robotic-Assisted Endovascular Visceral Interventions (2026, Prospective cohort study)
- Radiation Exposure and Protection for (Assumed) Pregnant Interventional Cardiologists and Electrophysiologists (2024, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in pregnant staff: Consensus document (Spanish societies) (2023, Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the full text of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.