A new imaging technology to reduce the radiation dose during uterine fibroid embolization

Abstract

Background Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive imaging-guided treatment using radiation exposure. Purpose To compare the patients’ radiation exposure during UFE before and after introduction of a new X-ray imaging platform. Material and Methods Forty-one patients were enrolled in a prospective, comparative two-arm project before and after introduction of a new X-ray imaging platform with reduced dose settings, i.e. novel real-time image processing techniques (AlluraClarity). Demographic, pre-interventional imaging, and procedural data, including dose area product (DAP) and estimated organ dose on the ovaries and uterus, were recorded and angiographic quality of overall procedure was assessed. Results There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics and preoperative fibroid and uterine volumes in the two groups. The new imaging platform led to a significant reduction in mean total DAP (102 vs. 438 Gy.cm2; P < 0.001), mean fluoroscopy DAP (32 vs. 138 Gy.cm2; P < 0.001), mean acquisition DAP (70 vs. 300 Gy.cm2; P < 0.001), and acquisition DAP estimated organ dose in ovaries (42 vs. 118 mGy; P < 0.001) and uterus (40 vs. 118 mGy, P < 0.001), without impairment of the procedure and angiographic image quality. Conclusion A substantial 77% reduction of DAP values and 64% and 66% reduction in organ dose on ovaries and uterus, respectively, was demonstrated with the new imaging platform, while maintaining optimal imaging quality and efficacy.