Retrospective Analysis of Doses Delivered during Embolization Procedures over the Last 10 Years

Background: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze dosimetric indicators recorded since 2012 for thoracic, abdominal or pelvic embolizations to evaluate the contribution of new tools and technologies in dose reduction. Methods: Dosimetric indicators (dose area product (DAP) and air kerma (AK)) from 1449 embolizations were retrospectively reviewed from August 2012 to March 2022. A total of 1089 embolizations were performed in an older fixed C-Arm system (A1), 222 in a newer fixed C-Arm system (A2) and 138 in a 4DCT system (A3). The embolization procedures were gathered to compare A1, A2 and A3. Results: DAP were significantly lower with A2 compared to A1 for all procedures (median -50% +/- 5%, p < 0.05), except for uterine elective embolizations and gonadal vein embolization. The DAP values were significantly lower with A3 than with A1 (p < 0.001). CT scan was used for guidance in 90% of embolization procedures. Conclusions: The last C-Arm technology allowed a median reduction of 50% of the X-ray dose. The implementation of a CT scan inside the IR room allowed for more precise 3D-guidance with no increase of the dose delivered.

Automated summary

This study retrospectively analyzed dosimetric indicators for embolizations since 2012 to evaluate the contribution of new tools and technologies in dose reduction. The results showed that the latest C-Arm technology and the use of CT scan significantly reduced the X-ray dose for embolization procedures, while improving the precision of guidance.