Radiation exposure and contrast agent reduction during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An ongoing experience

OBJECTIVES: To determine the patient radiation exposure and contrast agent variation during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures resulting from technological improvements. METHODS: TAVI procedures from January 2008 to July 2015 were analyzed in three different time periods: 1st period, when the angiography was equipped with an image intensifier technology; 2nd period, starting with the installation of a new angiography system with flat-panel detector (FPD) technology; and 3rd period, starting with the systematic use of preprocedural multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to individualize optimal fluoroscopic projections for the aortic prosthesis implantation. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in contrast volume (198 ± 99 mL vs 139 ± 74 mL; P<.001), kerma area product (211 ± 135 Gyĝ€¢cm2 vs 147 ± 120 Gyĝ€¢cm2; P<.001) and effective dose (42 ± 27 mSv vs 29 ± 24 mSv; P<.001) between the 1st and 2nd periods, respectively. The reduction continued between the 2nd and 3rd periods for contrast volume (139 ± 74 mL vs 110 ± 61 mL; P<.001), kerma area product (147 ± 120 Gyĝ€¢cm2 vs 111 ± 69 Gyĝ€¢cm2; P<.001), and effective dose (29 ± 24 mSv vs 22 ± 11 mSv; P<.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the appropriate use of FPD technology and preprocedural MDCT to individualize fluoroscopic implant projections for TAVI temporally reduced the amount of radiation and contrast agent administered over time.