ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronary angiography and angioplasty have to date been performed using digital angiography and fluoroscopic systems which incorporate an image intensifier (II). More recently flat-panel (FP) detectors have been introduced which are thought to improve spatial resolution. However, there is limited data on the effect of flat-panel detection on radiation exposure. We sought to determine the impact of flat-panel on cumulative radiation exposure in patients undergoing elective coronary angioplasty at our institution. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective coronary angioplasty in the six months prior to and following upgrade of our Toshiba catheterisation laboratory from image intensifier to flat-panel were included. Demographic and radiation data were collected prospectively and the same five operators performed interventions during the 12-month period. Radiation data was obtained from the dose-area product meter intrinsic to the fluoroscopy system. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty seven patients underwent elective angioplasty over the 12-month period (68 II, 69 FP). Cumulative radiation exposure was increased in flat-panel cases (99, 129 Gy cm(2) versus 71, 77 Gy cm(2), p=0.001). This increase was independent of patient weight (78+/-15 kg versus 78+/-17 kg, p=NS), screening time (19+/-12 min versus 18+/-13 min, p=NS) and total number of digital acquisitions (1475, 820 versus 1668, 1365, p=NS). The total amount of contrast dye did not differ between flat-panel and image intensifier cases (195+/-76 ml versus 194+/-79 ml, p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of flat-panel detector technology increases radiation exposure. This may have important safety implications for catheterisation laboratory staff and patients undergoing multiple interventional procedures.
