Initial Experience with a New Image Integration Module Designed for Reducing Radiation Exposure During Electrophysiological Ablation Procedures

Reducing Radiation Exposure IntroductionReduction of radiation exposure during cardiac arrhythmia ablation procedures is desirable. We sought to evaluate the utility of a new image integration module (CARTOUNIVU(TM)) in reducing fluoroscopy times and dosages during left atrial arrhythmia (LAA) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedures. Methods and ResultsConsecutive patients undergoing LAA (n = 28)/VT (n = 13) ablation using the CARTOUNIVU(TM) module were included. Total fluoroscopy time, radiation dose (total dose area product [tDAP], effective dose [ED]), and procedure duration were evaluated. A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent LAA (n = 16)/VT(n = 8) ablation without the new image integration module served as a control group. The use of the new image integration module significantly reduced mean fluoroscopy time (5.2 minutes [IQR 1.9;6.8] in the LAA ablation UNIVU group vs. 28.2 minutes [IQR 15.3;37.8] in the control group, P<0.001; 9.8 minutes [IQR 4.5;13.1] vs. 25.5 minutes [IQR 14.1;30.9] for VT ablation, P = 0.013), tDAP (2,088 cGy*cm(2) [IQR 664;2911] vs. 5,893 cGy*cm(2) [IQR 3088;8483], P< 0.001 for LAA ablation; 3,917 cGy*cm(2) [IQR 948;4217] vs. 12,377 cGy*cm(2) (IQR 3385;23157) for VT ablation patients, P = 0.025) and ED (4.1 mSv [IQR 1;5.8] vs. 11.8 mSv [IQR 6.2;16.9] for LAA ablation patients, P< 0.001; 7.8 mSv [IQR 1.9;8.4] vs. 24.7 mSv [IQR 6.8;46.3] for VT ablation patients, P = 0.025). Procedure duration did not significantly change (174 45 minutes vs. 197 +/- 36 minutes for LAA ablation, P = 0.083; 201 +/- 51 minutes vs. 201 +/- 63 minutes for VT ablation, P = 0.860). No serious adverse events related to the use of the CARTOUNIVU(TM) module occurred. ConclusionsThe new image integration module significantly reduced total fluoroscopy time and mean radiation dose without influence in procedure duration during ablation of complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.