In plain language
In a randomized trial of 262 patients undergoing ablation for supraventricular tachycardia in six Italian electrophysiology (EP) labs, 3D mapping-guided ablation cut fluoroscopy to near zero and lowered measured electrophysiologist dose per procedure from 25.33 to 1.55 µSv, with similar success rates.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Electrophysiologists, Patients
- Size
- n = 262 patients
- Where
- Italy
- Topics
- Dose reduction techniquesDosimetry and monitoringPatient doseCancer riskTraining and education
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Operator effective dose per procedure was much lower with the minimally fluoroscopic approach than with conventional fluoroscopy-guided ablation.
Key figures: 1.55 vs 25.33 µSv per procedure; P < 0.001 (213 procedures)
Fluoroscopy time and patient effective dose were near zero with the minimally fluoroscopic approach.
Key figures: 0 s (iqr 0-12) vs 859 s (iqr 545-1346); 0 mSv (iqr 0-0.08) vs 8.87 mSv (iqr 3.67-22.01); P < 0.00001
No X-ray was used at all in most minimally fluoroscopic procedures.
Key figures: 72% (96/134)
Acute success and complication rates did not differ between groups.
Key figures: 99% acute success both groups; complications 1.1%; P = ns
Modelled patient lifetime cancer incidence and mortality risks were 96% lower with the minimally fluoroscopic approach.
Key figures: 96% reduction
Limits to keep in mind
Operator dose came from cumulative chest thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) on the first operator only, with no data for nurses, technologists or other staff and no operator risk estimates; cancer risks were modelled, not observed, and procedures were performed only by operators skilled in the technique.
Related research summaries
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Ionizing Radiation in Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology (2019, Narrative review)
- Radiation protection practices in diagnostic and interventional cardiology: Position paper from Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (2025, Guideline or consensus statement)
- IU Health Handbook of Fluoroscopy Safety (Guideline or consensus statement)
- Reducing radiation exposure during procedures performed in the electrophysiology laboratory (2017, Retrospective cohort study)
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.