Flat-panel Detector-based System Research Articles

Radiation doses to operators performing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using a flat-panel detector-based system and ultrasound guidance for portal vein targeting.

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate effective dose (E) of operators performing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in a single centre. Patients' radiation exposure was also collected. Between 8/2015 and 6/2016, 45 consecutive TIPS were performed in adult patients using a flat-panel detector-based system (FPDS) and real-time ultrasound guidance (USG) for portal vein targeting. Electronic personal dosimeters were used to measure radiation doses to the primary and assistant operators, anaesthesia nurse and radiographer. Patients' radiation exposure was measured with dose area product (DAP); fluoroscopy time (FT) was also collected. Mean E for the primary operator was 1.40μSv (SD 2.68, median 0.42, range 0.12 - 12.18), for the assistant operator was 1.29μSv (SD 1.79, median 0.40, range 0.10 - 4.89), for the anaesthesia nurse was 0.21μSv (SD 0.67, median 0.10, range 0.03 - 3.99), for the radiographer was 0.42μSv (SD 0.71, median 0.25, range 0.03 - 2.67). Mean patient DAP was 59.31 GyCm2 (SD 56.91, median 31.58, range 7.66 - 281.40); mean FT was 10.20min (SD 7.40, median 10.40, range 3.8 - 31.8). The use of FPDS and USG for portal vein targeting allows a reasonably low E to operators performing TIPS. • The operators' E vary according to the complexity of the procedure. • FPDS and USG allow a reasonably low E to TIPS operators. • FPDS and USG have an important role in reducing the occupational exposure.

Radiation Exposure in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation is considered as being one of the most complex procedures in abdominal interventional radiology. Our aim was twofold: quantification of TIPS-related patient radiation exposure in our center and identification of factors leading to reduced radiation exposure. Three hundred and forty seven consecutive patients underwent TIPS in our center between 2007 and 2014. Three main procedure categories were identified: Group I (n = 88)-fluoroscopic-guided portal vein targeting, procedure done in an image intensifier-based angiographic system (IIDS); Group II (n = 48)--ultrasound-guided portal vein puncture, procedure done in an IIDS; and Group III (n = 211)--ultrasound-guided portal vein puncture, procedure done in a flat panel detector-based system (FPDS). Radiation exposure (dose-area product [DAP], in Gy cm(2) and fluoroscopy time [FT] in minutes) was retrospectively analyzed. DAP was significantly higher in Group I (mean ± SD 360 ± 298; median 287; 75th percentile 389 Gy cm(2)) as compared to Group II (217 ± 130; 178; 276 Gy cm(2); p = 0.002) and Group III (129 ± 117; 70; 150 Gy cm(2) p < 0.001). The difference in DAP between Groups II and III was also significant (p < 0.001). Group I had significantly longer FT (25.78 ± 13.52 min) as compared to Group II (20.45 ± 10.87 min; p = 0.02) and Group III (19.76 ± 13.34; p < 0.001). FT was not significantly different between Groups II and III (p = 0.73). Real-time ultrasound-guided targeting of the portal venous system during TIPS creation results in a significantly lower radiation exposure and reduced FT. Further reduction in radiation exposure can be achieved through the use of modern angiographic units with FPDS.

Radiation Exposure in Biliary Procedures Performed to Manage Anastomotic Strictures in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients: Comparison Between Radiation Exposure Levels Using an Image Intensifier and a Flat-Panel Detector-Based System

The aim of this study was to estimate radiation exposure in pediatric liver transplants recipients who underwent biliary interventional procedures and to compare radiation exposure levels between biliary interventional procedures performed using an image intensifier-based angiographic system (IIDS) and a flat panel detector-based interventional system (FPDS). We enrolled 34 consecutive pediatric liver transplant recipients with biliary strictures between January 2008 and March 2013 with a total of 170 image-guided procedures. The dose-area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time was recorded for each procedure. The mean age was 61 months (range 4-192), and mean weight was 17 kg (range 4-41). The procedures were classified into three categories: percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary catheter placement (n = 40); cholangiography and balloon dilatation (n = 55); and cholangiography and biliary catheter change or removal (n = 75). Ninety-two procedures were performed using an IIDS. Seventy-eight procedures performed after July 2010 were performed using an FPDS. The difference in DAP between the two angiographic systems was compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test and a multiple linear regression model. Mean DAP in the three categories was significantly greater in the group of procedures performed using the IIDS compared with those performed using the FPDS. Statistical analysis showed a p value = 0.001 for the PTBD group, p = 0.0002 for the cholangiogram and balloon dilatation group, and p = 0.00001 for the group with cholangiogram and biliary catheter change or removal. In our selected cohort of patients, the use of an FPDS decreases radiation exposure.