Radiation dose reference levels for the most common image-guided interventional cardiac electrophysiology and pacing procedures: a French multicentre survey

In plain language

A survey of 4219 patients in 33 French centres set patient dose reference levels for common electrophysiology and pacing procedures; complex devices and left bundle branch area pacing used more radiation. Staff dose was not measured.

At a glance

Type of study: Original research, Cross-sectional survey
Who was studied: Patients
Size: n = 4,219 patients
Where: France
Topics: Patient dose Dosimetry and monitoring Regulation and policy
Summary based on: the abstract

What it found

Interventional reference levels were proposed for 11 common electrophysiology and pacing procedures from 4219 patients in 33 French centres.
Key figures: 4219 patients; 33 centres; 11 procedures
For device implantation, reference levels rose with procedure complexity, from single-chamber to bi-ventricular devices.
Key figures: 4.10 Gy.cm2 and 5.5 min (single-chamber pacemaker) vs 11.50 Gy.cm2 and 16.5 min (bi-ventricular pacemaker); 12.90 Gy.cm2 and 18.0 min (bi-ventricular defibrillator)
Left bundle branch area pacing significantly increased dose indicators and fluoroscopy time across pacemaker procedures.
Key figures: p < 0.05
Among ablations, accessory pathway ablation had the lowest and persistent atrial fibrillation ablation the highest reference levels.
Key figures: 4.10 Gy.cm2 and 10.5 min vs 12.65 Gy.cm2 and 15.5 min
Proposed reference levels were similar to or lower than previously published values for most procedures.

Limits to keep in mind

Only patient dose indicators were recorded; staff dose was not measured. Data come from a sample of 10 to 30 patients per procedure per centre in France, and the abstract gives limited detail on equipment variation.

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How this summary was made

ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract 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.