New Image-Processing And Noise-Reduction Software Reduces Radiation Dose During Complex Endovascular Procedures

At a glance

Type of study

Original research, Retrospective cohort study

Who was studied

Vascular surgeons, Patients

Size

n = 234 procedures

Topics

Dose reduction techniquesDosimetry and monitoringPatient dose

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Radiation dose to patients and to primary and assistant operators fell by 60% with the Clarity image-processing system compared with procedures without it.

  Key figures: 60% reduction

• Fluorography dose rates fell by 44% to 70% depending on procedure type.

  Key figures: 44% (FEVAR) to 70% (lower extremity)

• Fluoroscopy dose rates fell by about 37% to 47% depending on procedure type.

  Key figures: 37% to 47%

• Operator practice patterns did not differ between the two groups, suggesting the reduction came from the software.

Limits to keep in mind

Single-vendor before-and-after comparison of 234 complex endovascular procedures with no randomization; image quality was not reported as formally measured in the abstract. Operator dose came from one dosimeter outside the apron, converted to an effective-dose estimate.

Related research summaries

• Radiation Awareness for EVAR in Hybrid Operating Room: An Instant Operator Risk Chart (2021, Dosimetry measurement study)
• Comparison of Radiation Exposure during Endovascular Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease with Flat-Panel Detectors on Mobile C-arm versus Fixed Systems (2017, Prospective cohort study)
• Evaluating Strategies For Reducing Scattered Radiation In Fixed-Imaging Hybrid Operating Suites (2017, Prospective cohort study)
• Modern Fixed Imaging Systems Reduce Radiation Exposure To Patients And Providers (2017, Retrospective cohort study)
• Radiation exposure to operating room personnel and patients during endovascular procedures (2013, Dosimetry measurement study)