Abstract No. 572 Improving the interventional radiology lab ergonomics using a novel imaging system geometry for image-guided procedures

Abstract

The interventional radiology (IR) lab work environment poses specific challenges in terms of comfort and safety for operators and patients. Table movements required for imaging and lack of system positioning flexibility are suspected to contribute to these challenges. This study evaluated the impact of a novel imaging system geometry on table movements during interventions and subsequent effects on ergonomics. 100 IR procedures were included; 50 in a traditional, widely available ceiling-mounted IR lab (A) and 50 in a lab equipped with a novel multi-axis ceiling-mounted angiography system (B) (both Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands). System B was capable of 236 cm lateral x-ray detector travel in addition to traditional longitudinal travel, allowing the use of gantry- in lieu of table movements when positioning patients for imaging, as well as more flexible system positioning. After every procedure, operators evaluated patient safety, patient-/equipment positioning effort and perceived physical discomfort. Where available, system logging data from both labs were used to analyze table- and gantry movements for comparison. Median table movements per procedure were 42 and 16 (p<.001) for system A (n=36) and B (n=40) respectively. Median total table travel distance per procedure was 1998 mm for A vs. 865 mm (p=.002) for B. Operators perceived system B requiring less patient-/equipment positioning effort (p<.001). Operator discomfort during procedures was reduced for all body areas (head + neck, shoulders + upper back, arms + hands, middle + lower back and hips + legs + feet, p<.001) when comparing system A to B. Moreover system B was perceived safer for patients due to decreased risks of equipment collisions, loss of device position and pulling tubes/lines (p<.001). Novel angiography system geometry allows a reduction of the number and total travel distance of table movements, resulting in lower physical discomfort for operators. A documented significant reduction in table movements should improve patient comfort and safety and reduce patient-/equipment positioning efforts.