Randomized comparison of long and short vascular sheaths in reduction of the operator radiation exposure during uterine artery embolization

At a glance

Type of study

Original research, Randomized trial

Who was studied

Interventional radiologists, Patients

Size

n = 52 patients (procedures)

Topics

Dose reduction techniquesDosimetry and monitoringThyroid

Summary based on

the abstract

What it found

• Operator left-hand dose was roughly halved with a long (45-cm) sheath compared with a short (11-cm) sheath.

  Key figures: 89.5 ± 7.2 μGy vs 186.7 ± 12.6 μGy, p < 0.001

• Operator thyroid-level dose was modestly but significantly lower with the long sheath.

  Key figures: 54.1 ± 5.5 μGy vs 63.9 ± 7.4 μGy, p < 0.001

• Procedure duration and fluoroscopy time did not differ between groups.

  Key figures: p > 0.1

• The long sheath was partly inserted so its hub sat well away from the groin, moving the operator's hands farther from the radiation field.

  Key figures: hub approximately 34 cm caudal to the groin puncture site

Limits to keep in mind

Small single-procedure-type trial with doses measured at only two sites (wrist, thyroid collar); the number of operators, the country, and blinding are not reported in the abstract, and dose rather than health outcomes was measured.

Related research summaries

• Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology (2022, Narrative review)
• Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
• Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
• Occupational Radiation Doses to Operators Performing Fluoroscopically-Guided Procedures (2012, Systematic review)
• AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)