The survey of radiation dose in radiofrequency catheter ablation]

Interventional radiology (IVR) is a technique using image guidance such as X-ray fluoroscopy to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It is widespread, and its use continues to increase. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has a long fluoroscopy time, and ablation procedures may be repeated in a single session. The entrance skin dose may reach several Gy, but information on radiation dose of actual procedures is limited. We conducted a survey on RFCA to acquire general information on how the procedures are performed in local institutions, including patient radiation dose in the Kanto area. 43% (33/77 institutions) of institutions to which we sent written questionnaires returned completed forms. Ablation for atrial fibrillation had the longest average fluoroscopy times (100.8 min) and average procedure times (228 min), and average air kerma at the interventional reference point (1173.6 mGy). Percutaneous coronary intervention and RFCA may cause skin injury, which suggests the continued need for radiation safety management.