Australian radiographers’ awareness of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in mammographic imaging

Abstract

IntroductionWomen presenting for mammography occasionally have pacemakers or other cardiac-implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in situ. This research investigates Australian radiographers’ awareness of CIEDs in the diagnostic and screening settings. MethodsA survey of radiographers with mammography experience in Australia was conducted using SurveyMonkey™. Respondents were asked if they could confidently identify images of devices and whether they had imaged them mammographically. A Chi-squared test of independence was used to compare the association between demographics and CIED awareness. A value of p < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. ResultsThere were 220 valid responses. All CIED types had been imaged. Most respondents had imaged a pacemaker (94.5%) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) (85.6%), compared to the three different implantable loop recorders (ILRs) (ILR-1: 63.4%; ILR-2: 14.1%; and IRL-3: 26.9% and the emerging subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs) (11.9%). Most respondents felt confident identifying the pacemaker (95%) and the ICD (86.1%). Only 19.4% of respondents could confidently identify the emerging S-ICD. ConclusionA lack of awareness of new and emerging devices may impact approaches to imaging and present significant risk to patients. The lack of studies comprehensively describing devices and their mammographic appearance to support radiographers’ knowledge and awareness highlights an urgent need to progress research in this area. Implications for practiceAs a part of continuing professional development, radiographers performing mammography must ensure they remain up to date with current and emerging technology, including CIEDs. This study has identified a lack of awareness of the different types of CIEDs currently being implanted and imaged, which may translate to unsafe imaging practices. There is an urgent need for further education to bridge this knowledge gap and ensure the safety of practice in imaging women with CIEDs. FootlineMammography: CIED Imaging